Universal
Nina Hynes Lyrics


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It could have been any one of us
You or me
To walk the line of fire
Anyday it all could change
Don't see it coming on, it's coming on

It's a crazy, crazy world
A topsy turvy, upside down, corners curving kind of world
And sometimes, I don't know
Who I am
And sometimes, I don't know
Where I stand

It's universal, I know, I know
It's not less special, to know, to know
Everybody can feel it too
And what's unique
Is me and you

Watching the way things can turn round and round
You need the grace of a tightrope walker
Anyway now, that you can, just do something that's good
Something that's good

It's a crazy, crazy world
A topsy turvy, upside down, corners curving kind of world
And sometimes, I don't know
Who I am
And sometimes, I don't know
Where I stand

It's universal, I know, I know
It's not less special, to know, to know
Everybody can feel it too
And what's unique
Is me and you





It's a crazy world

Overall Meaning

The song "Universal" by Nina Hynes speaks to the unpredictable and chaotic nature of life. The lyrics suggest that anyone could find themselves in a difficult situation, regardless of who they are or what they have done. The line "To walk the line of fire" underscores this sense of danger, highlighting the potential for sudden and unexpected change. The refrain "It's universal, I know, I know" emphasizes that these uncertainties are pervasive, affecting everyone in their own way.


Throughout the song, Hynes portrays the world as "crazy" and "topsy turvy," using vivid imagery to convey a sense of disorientation. The repetition of the phrase "sometimes, I don't know" creates a feeling of uncertainty and doubt, further emphasizing the precariousness of life. However, amidst this chaos, Hynes suggests that what makes people unique is their ability to make a positive impact on the world. She urges the listener to "just do something that's good," reinforcing the idea that even in difficult times, small actions can make a difference.


Overall, "Universal" speaks to the universal experience of uncertainty, while also offering a message of hope and empowerment. The song suggests that while life may be unpredictable, individuals have the power to create positive change.


Line by Line Meaning

It could have been any one of us
Life is uncertain and any of us could be faced with difficult challenges at any moment without warning


You or me
Anyone, including myself as the singer, could face these challenges


To walk the line of fire
To face great danger or intense stress


Anyday it all could change
Life can change drastically at any moment


Don't see it coming on, it's coming on
We may not be able to predict when these changes will happen, but they will happen eventually


It's a crazy, crazy world
The world we live in can be unpredictable and unstable


A topsy turvy, upside down, corners curving kind of world
The world can feel chaotic and disorienting


And sometimes, I don't know
As an individual, I can feel lost or unsure of myself


Who I am
I may not know my true identity or purpose


And sometimes, I don't know
Uncertainty can also extend to


Where I stand
I may not know where I stand in life or what my place is in the world


It's universal, I know, I know
These feelings and experiences are not unique to me but are shared by many others around the world


It's not less special, to know, to know
Even though others may share these experiences, they are still significant and meaningful to each individual


Everybody can feel it too
Others can relate to and understand these feelings


And what's unique
While these experiences may be shared,


Is me and you
Each individual's perspective and experience is unique and valuable


Watching the way things can turn round and round
Observing how events can have unexpected consequences or create cycles of repetition


You need the grace of a tightrope walker
One must maintain balance and composure in order to navigate these challenges


Anyway now, that you can, just do something that's good
Despite the uncertainty of life, it's important to take action and make positive choices


Something that's good
To choose actions that benefit oneself and others




Contributed by Liam C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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