Everything That Happens
David ByrneBrian Eno Lyrics
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Many people on that road
I heard the sound of someone laughing
I saw my neighbor's car explode
Just up ahead
Against the sky
Quicker than you blink your eye
Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
And among the living, we are giving, all through the night
From the milk of human kindness
From the breast we all partake
Hungry for a social contract
She welcomes you with dark embrace
(Puts) socks and shoes
Upon our feet
Little fishes swim upstream
Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
In the deepest silence, gold and diamonds, all through the night
[Repeat: x2]
Everything that happens will happen today
And nothing has changed, but nothing's the same
And every tomorrow could be yesterday
And everything that happens will happen today
The lyrics of "Everything That Happens" by David Byrne and Brian Eno depict a world that is unstable and unpredictable. The opening stanza describes an idyllic "perfect freeway" that suddenly turns violent with the explosion of a neighbor's car. With a sudden change of events, the lyrics suggest that chaos can happen at any moment, without warning. The second stanza explores the idea of human kindness and the need for a social contract. However, the metaphor of "little fishes swimming upstream" suggests that even our kindest endeavors can be futile against the current of a harsh, indifferent world.
The chorus ties together the themes of the song, emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence. "Everything that happens will happen today" suggests that life is always moving forward, but "nothing has changed, but nothing's the same" implies that change can be superficial, hiding the constant upheaval beneath the surface. The final line, "And everything that happens will happen today," becomes a refrain, underscoring the idea that life is both fragile and enduring, and that we all must continue forward with our lives despite the uncertainty that awaits.
Line by Line Meaning
I ride on a perfect freeway
I am traveling on a well-constructed road without any bumps or obstacles.
Many people on that road
There are numerous individuals also present on the same road I am on.
I heard the sound of someone laughing
I perceived an individual audibly expressing amusement.
I saw my neighbor's car explode
I visually witnessed the automobile of my neighbouring individual bursting apart.
Just up ahead / Against the sky / Quicker than you blink your eye
Something, located ahead of my current location and visible against the background sky, is moving at an incredibly rapid speed.
Oh my brother, I still wonder, are you alright?
I am concerned about the welfare of my sibling and ponder on their wellbeing.
And among the living, we are giving, all through the night
During the entire duration of the hours of darkness, individuals who are presently alive are providing assistance to others.
From the milk of human kindness
We obtain generous qualities from the goodwill and decency of the members of humanity.
From the breast we all partake
We all benefit by drinking from the same source of compassion and empathy.
Hungry for a social contract
We ardently crave an agreement or arrangement that benefits everyone in society equally.
She welcomes you with dark embrace
Despite the frightful appearance of the act of welcoming, it is actually inviting and kindhearted.
(Puts) socks and shoes / Upon our feet / Little fishes swim upstream
Upon placing our footwear on our lower limbs, small aquatic creatures swim in the opposite direction to the water's natural flow.
In the deepest silence, gold and diamonds, all through the night
During the most profound quietness of the evening, precious metals and jewels are still present and shine luminously.
Everything that happens will happen today
All occurrences and events will occur within the twenty-four-hour duration of the present day.
And nothing has changed, but nothing's the same
Although nothing has altered in appearance or behavior, there is a sense of uncertainty and transformation.
And every tomorrow could be yesterday
Any upcoming day can feel identical to the retrospective day that has already passed.
And everything that happens will happen today
Once again, every single happening and event will occur within the present day's duration.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN ENO, DAVID BYRNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnroberts4078
I saw Life is Long performed on the Colbert Show, the album saved my life and reminded me that music is the best art and David a great artist.
@raoultrahan13
Listened to this album over and over ten years ago on the day my son was born. Life is Long, especially. As I cried tears of joy, this was the perfect soundtrack to life.
@bpatrickhoburg
Wow, I love that man! There is something great about Byrne and company that will only be appreciated to the right degree in the future. My favorite show is still seeing Byrne in Telluride, Colorado. All of the dancers. Funny, I held a person’s baby during the show while she went for a beer. The atmosphere was ineluctable. You couldn’t not feel it was ‘right.’
@ya-silly-goose623
One of those albums where you can thoroughly enjoy every single song! Life is long, if you give it away.
@kencashon3739
This whole album is great. A gem that grows like rock candy! Play it with some headphones and take a walk you won’t regret
@dannyj77dj
Am doing, sounds crazy, love it
@kimberlitelewisham6414
Just live it
@guillermoftorres4809
@@dannyj77dj m j
@wh023
Life is long is such a great fucking song.
Soul to soul, A kiss and a sigh
Sawed in half, by the passage of time
Halfway home, from a window you see
Chains and bars, but I am still free
@faktablad
Good to see David & Brian also played The Sims 1