Christopher O'Riley is also the host of the NPR Radio show 'From the Top' which features young classical musicians from all over the country. The show is to soon make its television debut on WTTW.
No Surprises
Christopher O'Riley Lyrics
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A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal
You look so tired-unhappy
Bring down the government
They don't, they don't speak for us
I'll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide
With no alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
Silent, silent
This is my final fit
My final bellyache
With no alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises please
Such a pretty house
And such a pretty garden
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises please
The lyrics to Christopher O'Riley's "No Surprises" are a reflection on the monotony and drudgery of daily life. The opening lines compare the singer's heart to a landfill, suggesting that it is filled with waste and refuse. This could be interpreted as a commentary on their emotional state or their unfulfilling job, which is described as slowly killing them. The line "Bruises that won't heal" further emphasizes this sense of weariness and exhaustion. The singer then addresses the government, calling for it to be brought down because it does not represent the people. However, the singer ultimately desires a quiet life free from turmoil and disruption.
The repeated refrain of "No alarms and no surprises" emphasizes this desire for a predictable and peaceful existence. The reference to "carbon monoxide" in the line "A handshake of carbon monoxide" adds a darker dimension to the song, suggesting perhaps a desire for escape or release from the pressures of everyday life. The lines "This is my final fit / My final bellyache" could be interpreted as a resignation to this unfulfilling existence, with the singer acknowledging that this is the life they must lead. Finally, the singer describes a "pretty house / And such a pretty garden," suggesting that the appearance of contentment and happiness is not enough - they crave true fulfillment and purpose.
Overall, "No Surprises" is a poignant commentary on the struggle to find meaning in a world that often feels empty and oppressive. The desire for a quiet life free from alarm and surprise is understandable, but the song also suggests that true happiness requires more than just the absence of struggle or strife.
Line by Line Meaning
A heart that's full up like a landfill
My heart is heavy and overflowing, much like a landfill overflowing with waste.
A job that slowly kills you
My job is slowly draining the life out of me and causing me great harm.
Bruises that won't heal
I have had injuries that still linger and refuse to properly heal.
You look so tired-unhappy
You appear exhausted and sad – both physically and emotionally drained.
Bring down the government
We should collectively take down the establishment and not follow their authority.
They don't, they don't speak for us
The government officials do not genuinely represent the voice of the public or our true interests.
I'll take a quiet life
I desire a life of peace and simplicity that is free from chaos and drama.
A handshake of carbon monoxide
I envision a future that is deadly – one where a greeting of carbon monoxide is a common means of saying hello.
With no alarms and no surprises
I desire a future that is predictable and mundane – without any sudden alarms or unexpected events.
Silent, silent
In a future without alarms or surprises, there would be peace – a peaceful silence that is so enviable to me.
This is my final fit
This will be my last rant or burst of anger that I will allow myself, as it’s time for me to move on and let go of what is holding me back.
My final bellyache
This is the last of my complaining or whining – after this, I am done being unhappy with my current situation.
Such a pretty house
Despite everything that’s wrong, the house is still beautiful – it’s a symbol of hope and promise for a future that can still be beautiful.
And such a pretty garden
The serene garden surrounding the house reminds me of the beauty around me, despite the negativity that surrounds us.
No alarms and no surprises
I want to forget about the negative past and focus on a future without any surprises, just calmness and stability.
No alarms and no surprises please
I am pleading for a bit of stability and predictability in my life – just give me some space to breathe and relax without any sudden changes or jolts.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLIN CHARLES GREENWOOD, EDWARD JOHN O'BRIEN, JONATHAN RICHARD GUY GREENWOOD, PHILIP SELWAY, PHILIP JAMES SELWAY, THOMAS YORKE, THOMAS EDWARD YORKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind