What Do I Know
Copeland Lyrics


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It's brittle and it trembles as the wind is coming toward,
And if you string it up it dries right out with time.
So raise your glass to that new dollar in the bank we're reaching for.
But the drink was sweeter before we had a dime.

But you're far away now and you've got troubles all your own
Just to spend your whole life shooting down.
What do I know?

If you feel restless where you are, it may be easier to stay.
There area million other fools to make your bed.
And they'll be closing all the shades to keep you right there in that grave.
And I'll be knocking 'cause you never left my head.

But you're far away now and you've got troubles all your own
Just to spend your whole life counting down.





What do I know?

Overall Meaning

In Copeland's song What Do I Know?, the lyrics seem to be discussing the struggle between following your dreams and staying comfortable in your current situation. The first verse paints a picture of something fragile, something that may not survive the wind. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for dreams or aspirations that may not withstand the harsh reality of life. The line "the drink was sweeter before we had a dime" speaks to the idea that sometimes, the pursuit of money or success can ruin the purity and joy of what we once loved. The chorus, "What do I know?" suggests that the singer is unsure of the answer themselves – they don't necessarily have all the answers, but they are still searching for them.


The second verse continues with the theme of being stuck in a rut. The idea of there being a million other fools to make your bed suggests that settling for something less than your dreams is a common occurrence. The line "And they'll be closing all the shades to keep you right there in that grave" represents the idea of being trapped or stagnating in one place. The singer, however, is still determined and cannot stop thinking about their dreams. The final lines of the chorus, "Just to spend your whole life counting down," suggest that staying idle and not pursuing your dreams is not an option for the singer.


Line by Line Meaning

It's brittle and it trembles as the wind is coming toward
Something fragile that shakes as a gust of wind approaches.


And if you string it up it dries right out with time.
If you try to hold it together, it will eventually fall apart.


So raise your glass to that new dollar in the bank we're reaching for.
Let's celebrate our financial success.


But the drink was sweeter before we had a dime.
Despite the new wealth, things were better before money was involved.


But you're far away now and you've got troubles all your own
You're not here and you have problems of your own.


Just to spend your whole life shooting down.
You spend your entire life denying your own happiness.


What do I know?
I am not sure of anything anymore.


If you feel restless where you are, it may be easier to stay.
Sometimes it is easier to remain in a place where you are uncomfortable.


There are a million other fools to make your bed.
There are always other people who will follow and do what you say.


And they'll be closing all the shades to keep you right there in that grave.
Others will intentionally keep you in a dark place without opportunities.


And I'll be knocking 'cause you never left my head.
Despite the distance and differences, I still hold on to hope for us.


Just to spend your whole life counting down.
You spend your entire life anticipating the end without enjoying the present.


What do I know?
I am unsure of my knowledge and understanding.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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