Bitter Sweet Symphony
Coldplay feat Richard Ashcroft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tryin' to make ends meet
You're a slave to money then you die
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places
where all the veins meet, yeah
You know I can't change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no
Have you ever been down?, have you ever been down?
Well I never pray
But tonight I'm on my knees, yeah
I need to hear some sounds
that recognize the pain in me, now
I let the melody shine
let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now
But the airways are clean and there's nobody singing to me now
You know i can't change, I can change
I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no
Have you ever been down?, have you ever been down?
'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life
Tryin' to make ends meet
You're a slave to money then you die
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places
where all the veins meet yeah
You know i can't change, I can change
I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I'm a million different people
from one day to the next
I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no
Have you ever been down?
Have you ever been down?
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
Ever been down
Have you ever been down?, Ooh
'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, yeah
'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, yeah
My life
Your life
Their lifes
Come take it down the only road I've ever been down
'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, yeah
This life, this life, this life...
Thank you...
The lyrics of Coldplay and Richard Ashcroft's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" suggest a commentary on the struggles of the human experience. The line "tryin' to make ends meet, you're a slave to money then you die" implies a sense of hopelessness in trying to keep up with the demands of modern society. The imagery of "the only road I've ever been down" and "where all the veins meet" give a sense of feeling trapped or stuck in one's circumstances.
The repetition of "I can change" juxtaposes against the previous sentiments and suggests a desire for growth and change but an inability to do so. The line "But I'm a million different people from one day to the next" further emphasizes the internal struggle of identity and figuring out one's true self.
The chorus of "bittersweet symphony" suggests that life contains both positive and negative aspects. The word "symphony" implies a grand, orchestrated piece of music, but the addition of "bitter sweet" suggests that even the most beautiful things in life can have an underlying sadness or struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life
This life is a mixture of happiness and sadness.
Tryin' to make ends meet
Struggling to meet financial needs.
You're a slave to money then you die
Being controlled by money and ultimately dying without taking anything with you.
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
I'll take you through my experiences and show you the path I've been on.
You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet, yeah
The path that leads to the center, to the heart of the matter.
You know I can't change, I can change, I can change
Acknowledging that one is flawed but also has the capacity to evolve.
But I'm here in my mold, I am here in my mold
Being true to oneself and accepting oneself for who they are.
But I'm a million different people from one day to the next, I can't change my mold
Having multiple dimensions to one's personality but still being fundamentally the same person.
Have you ever been down?, have you ever been down?
Asking if the listener has ever gone through a difficult time.
Well I never pray, but tonight I'm on my knees, yeah
Admitting vulnerability and seeking comfort.
I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, now
Craving empathy and understanding for one's struggles.
I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now
Finding solace in music to clear one's thoughts and feel unburdened.
But the airways are clean and there's nobody singing to me now
Feeling isolated and alone in one's struggles.
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
Reiterating the desire to show others the path one has taken.
Ever been down, have you ever been down?
Asking the listener again if they have gone through tough times.
My life, your life, their lives
Emphasizing that everyone faces struggles in their own life.
Come take it down the only road I've ever been down
Encouraging others to follow the same path of self-discovery.
'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, yeah
Life is a mix of sweet and sour moments.
This life, this life, this life...
Recapping the idea that life is complicated and full of challenges.
Contributed by John Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@charliedallachie3539
I miss the old world 🌎
@BEAR8419
Fuckin A
@ArcturianLessons
We will be back there again dont worry. Birth pain whats happening currently
@NicksMovieMix
Normal 2.0
@NicksMovieMix
You will miss today.......too.
@dariorandagiosaviozzi3125
Me too my friend
@cmk9495
I’m jealous of everyone in that crowd who got to see this magic live.
@willritter4076
I'd be honored if some Verve & Coldplay fans would give a quick listen to my acoustic piano & vocal YouTube performances of BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY and VIVA LA VIDA in tribute to 2 of the most iconic bands from the 90s & 00s (respectively). Live acoustic with no autotune. Peace and stay safe.
@BrendaDrumm
Love him dead ringer for spider out of coronation St ys ago😂
@willritter4076
should put the link https://youtu.be/xNknyJIkLn4 (BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY acoustic cover)