The World Is Not Enough
Garbage Lyrics


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I know how to hurt
I know how to heal
I know what to show
And what to conceal
I know when to talk
And I know when to touch
No one ever died from wanting too much
The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you're strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love

People like us
Know how to survive
There's no point in living
If you can't feel the life
We know when to kiss
And we know when to kill
If we can't have it all
Then nobody will

The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you're strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love

I feel sick
I feel scared
I feel ready
And yet unprepared

The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you're strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love

The world is not enough
The world is not enough




No, nowhere near enough
The world is not enough

Overall Meaning

In Garbage's song The World Is Not Enough, the lyrics convey the attitude of someone who is powerful, confident and aware of their abilities to both harm and help others. The first two lines of the chorus, "The world is not enough, but it is such a perfect place to start, my love," suggest an insatiable desire for success and achievement, but also a willingness to take risks and pursue goals with determination. The second verse describes the persona as someone who knows how to survive and get what they want, even if that means using tactics like kissing or killing. There is a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in the last line, "I feel sick, I feel scared, I feel ready and yet unprepared," which adds depth and complexity to the character.


The song was written for the 1999 James Bond film of the same name, and reflects the themes of the movie, which include power, betrayal, and temptation. The lyrics were penned by Garbage's lead singer, Shirley Manson, who has said in interviews that she was inspired by the character of Elektra King, the film's villain, played by Sophie Marceau. The song has a sweeping orchestral arrangement, with dramatic drums and strings that build to a climactic chorus. Manson's vocals are moody and sensual, imbuing the lyrics with a dangerous allure.


Line by Line Meaning

I know how to hurt
I understand how to cause pain and suffering


I know how to heal
I have the ability to make others feel better and help them recover


I know what to show
I know what should be revealed to others


And what to conceal
I know how to keep secrets and hide things from others


I know when to talk
I know when to speak and express myself


And I know when to touch
I have the ability to know when physical contact is appropriate


No one ever died from wanting too much
Having desires and ambition isn't inherently dangerous


The world is not enough
There is always more to desire and achieve


But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
Despite its limitations, the world is still a great starting point


And if you're strong enough
If you have the resilience and perseverance to handle challenges


Together we can take the world apart, my love
We can work together to accomplish anything we set our minds to


People like us
Individuals with our temperament and character


Know how to survive
We have the skills and mindset needed to thrive


There's no point in living
Life is meaningless and empty


If you can't feel the life
If you're not living life to the fullest and experiencing everything it has to offer


We know when to kiss
We know how to express love and affection


And we know when to kill
We understand when aggression and violence are needed


If we can't have it all
If we can't obtain everything we want


Then nobody will
We won't allow anyone else to have it either


I feel sick
I'm experiencing physical discomfort


I feel scared
I'm feeling frightened or anxious


I feel ready
I'm prepared and eager to take on challenges


And yet unprepared
Despite feeling ready, I may not be fully equipped to handle every obstacle


The world is not enough
There will always be more to achieve and obtain


No, nowhere near enough
The world offers far less than what we truly desire




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Arnold, Monty Norman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@EUNOOSE

I know how to hurt
I know how to heal
I know what to show
And what to conceal
I know when to talk
And I know when to touch
No one ever died
From wanting too much
The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you're strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love
People like us
Know how to survive
There's no point in living
If you can't feel alive
We know when to kiss
And we know when to kill
If we can't have it all
Then nobody will
The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you're strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love
I feel safe
I feel scared
I feel ready
And yet unprepared
The world is not enough
But it is such a perfect place to start, my love
And if you're strong enough
Together we can take the world apart, my love
The world is not enough
The world is not enough
Nowhere near enough
The world is not enough



All comments from YouTube:

@guimcl

This is such a piece of timeless art ! More than 20 years later it still feels brand new. ❤

@keisller

I love you Garbage.

@RedSpade37

Certainly ahead of their time!

@iangardiner2265

Not at all, absolutely sounds like the 90s - that is a good thing btw, but clearly a 90s sounding song!

@RedSpade37

@@iangardiner2265 I admit I'm no expert, as back in those days, I mostly (and still do) listen to video game and movie OSTs, but this song stood out to me, but maybe that's only because they are invoking, on purpose, that "James Bond" style opening music, with all the orchestral music.

I love music like that, and I would love to ask you for some recommendations of other pieces that are similar!

@MoontownMoss

Came for the top comment that mentions how many years later it currently is. Thanks.

29 More Replies...

@mactocmo

The most underrated and my favorite Bond theme.

To my mind, this is the only Bond song that was sang from the perspective of a villain and a lover.

@blacklavoux

Exactly.

@Hayyyward

Definitely one of the best Bond theme songs. I always wished they would have Goldfrapp do one as well.

@jjsmith3302

@@Hayyyward ooooh, Goldfrapp would be fab!!!

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