Everything That Happens
David Byrne & Brian 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: BYRNE, DAVID / ENO, BRIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexander Rodríguez-Villegas
David Byrne and B. Eno have the magical power to transform the sadness into a sense of spiritual satisfaction and happyness.
AngieEnz84
This song is flat out gorgeous. That chorus...ohhhhhhh, man... Perfection.
Yar Nosnibor
What a duo these two!Their cooperative senses are unparalled.I think I just had an eargasm
Jane Giesbrecht
A close friend shared this, "I always wanted to share this with Mike. He turned me on to so much music over the years, and I knew he would love it.
Of course, the timing was tragically wrong. This is Gospel music for those of us lacking faith." I replied,"Oh! My! You just unleashed tears that only music can do. This song is most stunningly beautiful. I will listen to this over and over untilI know the words by heart."...Oh my brother, I still wonder, Are you alright?
greg person
this makes my spine tingle!! such a different album to bush of ghosts!! both excellent masterpieces!!! eno is a true genious!!!! david byrnes voice is beautiful!!! great lyrics too!! excellent vocals by both at the end!
Brian Higgins
This group of two masters is testament to what a continuously searching creative mind is capable of producing. They are in that elusive place that only the most creative of minds can linger.
creatornat
Thanks for sharing this! I love it when Eno allows others to work with him like this in the duo effort. Though I tend to think Byrne is already a pretty good pal of his by now, so he gets dibs on such fun. ;)
ClassicRockLivesOn
The guitar sounds incredible on this track
Wisegeorge
Brian Eno did all of the music first and then David Byrne wrote the lyrics and phrasing to fit the music. That's what amazes me, like Benie and Elton.
Walt Fechter
Resplendent. Like images from Hubble. In memory of my Barbra and I -- with stars all around us.