Looking Up
Eels; Mark Oliver Everett Lyrics

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Ah, it's looking up
Let me tell you what I mean
Used to be kind of bitter
Always had a babysitter
But I'm feeling much fitter
Now I'm pretty sweet
Back on my feet

Walking down the street
Yeah, I'm looking up
It's looking up

I used to be cruel
Kind of a tool
Like a damn fool
Now I'm oh-so-kind
Got no worried mind
I'm a real find
Yeah, it's looking up

I'm looking up
I'm looking up
It's looking up
Yeah, I'm looking up

I never had a clue, man
How it was gonna go
But it goes to show you
You just never know
It took a little while, but I'm a real fine man now
Never could, but I always can now

Time has healed me
Can you feel me looking up?
(Looking up)
Yeah, it's looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
Looking up
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)

I said
Time has healed me (Looking up)
Can you feel me looking up? (Looking up)
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
Looking up
(Looking up)

It took a little while, but I'm a real fine man now (Looking up)
Never could, but I always can now (Looking up)

(Looking up)
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up

(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)
(Looking up)

I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up
(Looking up)
I'm looking up

(Looking up)
(Looking up)

Overall Meaning

In "Looking Up," Mark Oliver Everett, the lead singer and songwriter for Eels, expresses a profound transformation he has undergone by leaving behind bitterness and resentment and embracing positivity and happiness. He used to be bitter, cruel, and a tool, but now he is happy, kind, and easy-going. He has overcome his insecurities, worries, and doubts and feels confident and content with himself. He is looking up and admiring the beauty of life, feeling the warmth of the sun, and enjoying the simple pleasures of walking down the street.

The lyrics convey a sense of hope, resilience, and renewal. Time has healed him, and he is now a real fine man. He has learned that life is unpredictable and full of surprises, and he has embraced uncertainty and change. He encourages others to look up, to feel the same freedom and joy that he experiences, and to realize that life is precious and valuable. The upbeat melody and the catchy chorus reinforce the positive message and make the song uplifting and energizing.

Line by Line Meaning

Ah, it's looking up
The situation is improving

Let me tell you what I mean
I want to explain myself

Used to be kind of bitter
I used to be unhappy and resentful

Always had a babysitter
I relied on others to take care of me

But I'm feeling much fitter
Now I am healthier and stronger

Now I'm pretty sweet
I am now more likable and pleasant

Back on my feet
I am once again independent and self-sufficient

Walking down the street
I am out and about, confident and happy

Yeah, I'm looking up
I am optimistic about the future

I used to be cruel
I used to be unkind and harsh

Kind of a tool
I was not well-liked or respected