Broken Things
David Byrne Lyrics


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There are broken things
In my house

Some are twisted
Some are cracked
Some been bended
Till they snapped
There are broken
Things in here
Things in pieces
Things in knots
Things that crumble
In tiny parts

I am fixing broken things
I am fixing broken things
Everyone could use some help
Will you help me fix myself?

I am fixing broken things
Things are mended
Things are glued
I have done
Best I can do

I am fixing broken things
Everyone could use some help
Will you help me fix myself?

See how easy - things can break?
If it's crooked
Make it straight
Do you love me?
I can't tell
Pick up pieces
And make me well

In this house of broken things
Everyone could use some help
Will you help me fix myself?

I am fixing broken things




Everybody celebrate
Now I got my business straight

Overall Meaning

David Byrne's song Broken Things seems to be a reflection on the imperfection and fragility of human beings, as represented by the broken things in the house. The singer is aware of these broken things as they describe them, ranging from twisted, cracked, bended, snapped, in pieces, in knots, and crumbling into tiny parts. However, instead of just ignoring them, the singer declares that they are fixing the broken things. This takes on a more metaphorical meaning in the following verses as they ask for help in fixing oneself, implying that the broken things in the house are also representative of the flaws and troubles that humans have.


The lines "See how easy - things can break?" and "If it's crooked, Make it straight" suggest that it is easy to falter and easy to fix things if one has the willingness and capacity to do so. The singer then pleads with someone, "Do you love me? I can't tell" which may indicate that they are asking for help from a lover, a friend, or even a higher power. They conclude that everyone could use some help in fixing themselves and with the hope that they have enough to make things better, the singer announces "Everybody celebrate - Now I got my business straight".


Line by Line Meaning

There are broken things In my house
There are various items in my house that are in a state of disrepair or malfunction.


Some are twisted
Some of these broken things are bent out of shape or no longer have their original form.


Some are cracked
Some things are broken due to a crack or break caused by force or pressure.


Some been bended Till they snapped
Other things have been bent too far, to the point where they have broken into separate pieces or completely snapped apart.


Things in pieces Things in knots Things that crumble In tiny parts
There are broken things in my house that are in fragments, entangled or twisted, and some that are so worn or old they fall apart into many small pieces.


I am fixing broken things I am fixing broken things Everyone could use some help Will you help me fix myself?
I am taking the initiative to repair and mend the broken things around me. I believe everyone could use a little assistance in fixing their faults and I am asking for your help.


Things are mended Things are glued I have done Best I can do
I have fixed some of the broken items by mending or gluing together the pieces to the best of my ability, knowing that they may never be the same again.


See how easy - things can break? If it's crooked Make it straight Do you love me? I can't tell Pick up pieces And make me well
The act of breaking things can happen so easily and often without intention. If something is crooked or broken, it can always be fixed with some effort and care. The question of love is uncertain, but picking up the broken pieces and repairing them can lead to a better, more whole version of myself.


In this house of broken things Everyone could use some help Will you help me fix myself?
This house is a metaphor for the state of my being, filled with broken things and in need of repair. I believe everyone could use help in repairing themselves and I am once again asking for your help.


I am fixing broken things Everybody celebrate Now I got my business straight
I am actively repairing my broken things and everyone should celebrate my progress. I am pleased to say that I am successfully resolving my issues and making progress towards a better version of myself.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID BYRNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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