80 Windows
Nada Surf Lyrics


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Clusters of people talking secretly to each other.
In a bar you cannot talk openly to anyone you don't already know.
4 year olds, they have got the right idea: they jump the line and hit it on the nose.

When we sit and we get quiet, then we look and see who's home across the way.
There are 80 windows we can see,
It's christmastime and they all have the same tree.
You tell me the patterns you already see,
I wonder if they see us in our bed.

You said you like the one with the father who always eats with his son.
I like the rows of lights because they keep me calm.

I feel far away from you. So what else is new?
The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.

When we sit and we get quiet, then we look and see who's home across the way.

You said you like the one with the father who always eats with his son.
I like the rows of lights because they keep me calm.

I feel far away from you. So what else is new?
The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.

I feel far away from you. So what else is new?
The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.

The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.

The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.






Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Nada Surf's "80 Windows" describe the isolation and loneliness that can come with living in a big city. The song opens with the image of clusters of people talking secretly to each other, unable to connect with anyone outside their social circles in a crowded bar. The singer contrasts this with the carefree attitude of four-year-olds who fearlessly jump the line and hit the nail on the head, suggesting that adults could benefit from taking a page out of their book.


The second verse turns to a more specific image: the view from the singer's window at Christmastime, when they can see 80 other windows in the building across the way. They wonder if the people in those other apartments can see them too and share their experience of feeling far away from their loved ones. The singer and their partner discuss which apartment they like best, with one preferring the one with a father who always eats with his son and the other drawn to the calming rows of lights.


Line by Line Meaning

Clusters of people talking secretly to each other.
In a bar you cannot talk openly to anyone you don't already know.


4-year-olds, they have got the right idea: they jump the line and hit it on the nose.
Children are not restricted by social norms and can interact freely with whoever they want.


When we sit and we get quiet, then we look and see who's home across the way.
The singer and their partner watch their neighbors through the windows in silence.


There are 80 windows we can see, It's Christmastime and they all have the same tree.
The view of the 80 windows is uniform and the decor reflects the season.


You tell me the patterns you already see, I wonder if they see us in our bed.
The partners observe patterns in their neighbors’ behavior and wonder if they are being watched as well.


You said you like the one with the father who always eats with his son. I like the rows of lights because they keep me calm.
Each partner has a favorite window to observe and finds a different aspect to enjoy.


I feel far away from you. So what else is new? The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.
The singer feels emotionally distant from their partner and this is a common occurrence. They feel isolated and alone.


The moon is closer to the sun than I am to anyone.
The singer feels disconnected from everyone including their partner.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DANIEL PRIETO CASTRO LORCA, IRA ELLIOT, MATTHEW RORISON CAWS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Angela Fnollie

Someone very dear to me had me listen to this album… i was hooked straight away. Love the sound, love the melancholy of the lyrics that still give me the chills… seen Nada Surf three times over time in Utrecht (at a venue / location that doesn’t exist anymore) and in Amsterdam (Paradiso). Sweet people they all are…

Paulo Santos

After 10 years I hear this song again... And I still love it!!!!

Nick Taylor

Is it 20 now?

notyoursavior78

Great band. I loved "The Proximity Effect" album.

Geoff Ryall

Nada Surf...aahhh I almost forgot them. But how could I forget them, a brilliant band that are so underrated. I remember seeing them about 7-8 years ago at a tiny venue when they came to the UK. I'll never forget it! Loved every minute of it, and the fact that they came to my town, Cardiff!

Championette

The moon is closer to the sun, than I am to anyone...❤

Championette

Dobar Nogometaš
They really are. 🖤

partisan72

Great vid...You've sublimely captured the feeling of loneliness and alienation of this amazing song.

luke182777

😭 this song is so perfect.

Bremaro1 Bogley

Great Song. So touching. Saw them live for the first time. Awesome.

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