Numbers
Cardinals Lyrics


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Here comes your song, it's on the radio
Here comes your song, here comes your song
Everybody in the backseat, come and sing along

We're fucked, we're fucked
There's been an accident, somebody stole your face
We're fucked, we're fucked
You were always something else, there's nothing to replace

You got some shit to throw out
You got some numbers to erase

Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Ringing all night, it's slower than the bar
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
How do you spell
Look way around or replace those numbers?

Here comes your song, it's on the stereo
So turn it on, so turn it up
Everybody in the backseat's about to throw up

We're fucked, we're fucked
There's been a tragedy, hardly words remind us, baby
We're fucked, we're fucked
Fuck, you walked in a piece, this isn't war and peace

You were always good enough
There was nothing to replace
You got some shit to throw out
You got some numbers to erase

You got names to forget
Plus some people to call
There was nothing to replace
You've been good enough all along

You just got settled in
And you wanna get down
And feel like you are loved
Feel like you are loved

Nobody's mad at you
These people love you
And they wanna see you are bein' strong
Wanna see you are bein' strong

So lose no numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers

So lose no numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers

So lose the numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers

So lose the numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
The names and the phone

Here comes your song, it's on the stereo
Here comes your song, it's on the radio
Here comes your song, here comes your song





We're fucked, we're fucked
And hung up alone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cardinals' song "Numbers" depict a sense of loss and confusion. The opening line suggests that the song is being played on the radio, as if the singer is addressing someone specific who is listening. The chorus repeats the phrase "We're fucked," which highlights the gravity of the situation. The next verse references "an accident" and "somebody stole your face," which evokes a sense of violation and vulnerability. The use of numbers throughout the song symbolizes the need for order and the desire to erase what has been lost. The final refrain emphasizes the importance of community and love during a difficult time.


One interesting fact about the song is that it was written by Ryan Adams while in a New York City hotel room during a period of intense insomnia. The song's title "Numbers" refers to Adams' attempt to focus on counting to calm his anxious mind. Another notable fact is that the song was reportedly written about Adams' friend, singer-songwriter Michael Stipe, who was dealing with a traumatic event at the time. The song was released on Cardinals' 2008 album "Cardinology" and received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising Adams' ability to capture raw emotion in his lyrics.


Another interesting aspect of the song is the use of repetition. The chorus repeats the phrase "We're fucked" four times, which underscores the sense of despair that the singer is feeling. The repetition of the word "numbers" throughout the song serves to emphasize the importance of order and control in the face of chaos. The use of the phrase "This isn't war and peace" in the second verse is a nod to Leo Tolstoy's epic novel and suggests that the situation is not as complex as it may seem.


In terms of chords, the song features a driving rhythm and simple chord progression in the key of A major. The verses alternate between A and E chords, while the chorus switches to F#m, D and A chords.


Overall, "Numbers" is a poignant and powerful song that grapples with loss and despair while also celebrating the importance of community and love.


Line by Line Meaning

Here comes your song, it's on the radio
The song specifically made for you is currently being played on the radio.


Here comes your song, here comes your song
The song is a reminder that you are not alone.


Everybody in the backseat, come and sing along
Those around you are encouraged to participate and enjoy the song.


We're fucked, we're fucked
Things have taken a terrible turn.


There's been an accident, somebody stole your face
Something catastrophic has occurred.


You were always something else, there's nothing to replace
You were unique and cannot be replaced.


You got some shit to throw out
There's some old baggage that needs to be let go.


You got some numbers to erase
Certain phone numbers or memories need to be forgotten.


Numbers, numbers, numbers, numbers
The numbers are a constant reminder of the past.


Ringing all night, it's slower than the bar
The phone constantly ringing is like a slow, never-ending torture.


How do you spell Look way around or replace those numbers?
The process of forgetting or moving on from certain numbers is difficult.


So turn it on, so turn it up
The song is meant to be listened to with great attention.


Everybody in the backseat's about to throw up
Intense emotions and actions may occur during the song.


There's been a tragedy, hardly words remind us, baby
Grief and loss is difficult to articulate.


Fuck, you walked in a piece, this isn't war and peace
Life is not a perfect story and there will never be a completely happy ending.


You got names to forget
Certain names need to be put out of mind.


Plus some people to call
Certain people need to be reached out to.


You've been good enough all along
You have always been enough and do not need to change yourself.


You just got settled in
You have only recently found solace and comfort.


And you wanna get down
You want to feel free, released from stress.


And feel like you are loved
You want to feel appreciated.


Nobody's mad at you
There is no anger or resentment felt towards you.


These people love you
The people around you care about you endlessly.


And they wanna see you are bein' strong
They want you to remain confident and resilient.


So lose no numbers, numbers, numbers
Forget whatever memories or phone numbers are causing pain.


The names and the phone
The specific causes of pain and despair.


And hung up alone
Despairingly left to deal with the aftermath alone.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RYAN ADAMS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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