Living Life
Daniel Johnston Lyrics

In the song "Living Life," Daniel Johnston sings about the struggles of day-to-day existence and the search for comfort and hope. The opening lines of the song, "Hold me like a mother would / Like I've always known somebody should," suggest a deep yearning for affection and nurturing, as if the singer seeks a sense of security and protection that might be found in a mother's embrace. The lyrics also acknowledge the uncertainty and fear that often arise when facing an unpredictable future. Despite this sense of unease, the singer asserts that "everything's all right" and finds solace in the simple act of living.

The song's chorus repeats the phrase "Living living living living living living / living life," thereby emphasizing the importance of being fully present and engaged in the moment. In contrast to this positive image, the lyrics also mention the difficulties of facing a world that can seem dull, colorless, and unexciting. Johnston sings, "I cannot help but be restless / When everything seems so tasteless / And all the colors seem to have faded away." Here, the singer expresses a sense of alienation and dissatisfaction with the mundane aspects of everyday life.

Despite these challenges, the chorus of the song offers a ray of hope, suggesting that life can be worth living even in the face of adversity. Johnston sings, "This is life / And everything's all right," conveying a sense of acceptance and resilience that suggests a willingness to persevere even in the face of hardship.