It first appeared under the name "Stability" as a bonus track on the Japanese release of their 2001 album The Photo Album and later on The Stability EP.
This version is shorter than the original thirteen-minute, mostly instrumental version found on The Stability EP, ending when the vocals end.
11. Stable Song
Death Cab for Cutie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rows of deserted houses all
Our stable mates highway bound
Give us our measly sum
Getting the air inside my lungs
Is heavenly starting out
With nothing but
We'll rest easy
Justified
Suffered a swift defeat
I'll endure countless repeats
The gift of memories
An awful curse
With age it just
Gets much worse
But I won't mind
I won't mind
The lyrics of Stable Song by Death Cab for Cutie are a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The song begins with the final bow, which can be interpreted as the end of life's journey. The rows of deserted houses symbolize the emptiness and loneliness of the afterlife. The stable mates highway bound signify the journey towards death and the unknown that awaits.
The next few lines seem to portray the struggle for survival in this world, where even a measly sum can make a difference. The air inside the lungs is indicative of the feeling of being alive and the joy and relief that comes with it after a period of suffering. The crippling doubt that accompanies starting out with nothing is the fear of the unknown, the uncertain future that awaits each one of us.
The chorus - 'We'll rest easy, justified' - seems to indicate a sense of peace that comes with death. The suffering that one has endured in life is justified because it has led to this peaceful rest. However, the following lines suggest an awareness of the pain and suffering that remain, despite this peace. The gift of memories is an awful curse because with age, the pain of losing loved ones only gets worse. But the singer claims that he won't mind, suggesting a sense of acceptance towards the inevitable.
Overall, Stable Song is a poignant reflection on mortality, the fear it can engender, and the peace that can come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Time for the final bow
It's time to wrap things up and say goodbye to something/someone.
Rows of deserted houses all
The area is abandoned and uninhabited.
Our stable mates highway bound
The people we rely on are leaving us and moving on with their lives.
Give us our measly sum
We're asking for our small share or portion of something.
Getting the air inside my lungs
Taking a deep breath is refreshing and revitalizing.
Is heavenly starting out
Starting from scratch can feel like a fresh start and a new beginning.
With nothing but crippling doubt
However, it can also be incredibly daunting and full of uncertainty.
We'll rest easy
We'll be able to relax and settle into a comfortable state.
Justified
We'll feel like we deserve this rest and comfort.
Suffered a swift defeat
We experienced a fast and crushing loss or setback.
I'll endure countless repeats
We'll have to face this same loss or setback many times over.
The gift of memories
Remembering the good times can be a gift and a positive experience.
An awful curse
However, memories can also be painful and difficult to deal with.
With age it just gets much worse
As time goes on, memories can become more painful and more difficult to manage.
But I won't mind
Despite the pain and difficulty, we'll be able to handle it and move forward.
I won't mind
We'll be able to find peace and acceptance.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BENJAMIN GIBBARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Frank
on I Will Follow You Into The Dark
This song sucks