It's a Hectic World
Pavement Lyrics


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I'm feeling dark and
I'm looking for my head (hey)
I want to read this book
But it's getting pretty dead (hey)
I want to sleep
But I'd rather be alive (hey)
????????
When I hit you in the eye (hey)

It's my life, up your ass
It's my flesh, up your bed

You know you can't lose
It's alright
You know you can't lose
It's alright
You know you can't lose

I always step on crack
I don't care my back (hey)
When I step online
I think it's pretty fine (hey)
???????
He wants to lie (go!)

It's my light, up your height
It's my flight, up your night

You know you can't lose
Hit me twice
You know you can't lose
Hit me tight
You know you can't lose




It's alright
You know you can't lose

Overall Meaning

At first listen, Pavement's song It's a Hectic World sounds like a nonsensical jumble of words, but with a little bit of analysis, a clear theme emerges: a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction with the world. The singer starts by saying he's feeling "dark" and looking for his head, which may be a metaphor for feeling lost or confused. He wants to read a book, but it's "getting pretty dead," suggesting that he's having trouble finding meaning or interest in what he's reading. He wants to sleep, but he'd rather be alive, which could mean that he's struggling with the idea of wasting his life by sleeping through it. The line "When I hit you in the eye" is a bit of a mystery, but it could be interpreted as either the singer feeling the need to cause trouble or lash out at something, or perhaps a metaphor for something unexpected happening in life that wakes you up.


The chorus of the song is a repeated mantra: "You know you can't lose, it's alright." It's possible that the singer is convincing himself that everything is okay and that he will ultimately be successful and happy, but it could also mean that he's reflecting on the fact that life is inherently chaotic and uncertain, but ultimately it will all work out in the end.


In the second verse, the singer mentions stepping on cracks and not caring about his back, which could be a metaphor for taking risks and not worrying about the consequences. He also says that when he steps online (which in the context of the song may mean connecting with others or seeking information), he thinks it's pretty fine, suggesting that he finds some solace in connecting with others in the virtual world. The last line of the verse, "He wants to lie," is a bit ambiguous but could mean that someone in the singer's life is not being honest with him, or perhaps that the singer himself wants to escape from reality and just lie down.


Overall, It's a Hectic World seems to be grappling with the complexities and difficulties of life while also acknowledging that things will ultimately work out in some way. The lyrics are filled with symbols and metaphors that hint at deeper meanings, but the song also captures a sense of confusion and uncertainty that many of us feel at times.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm feeling dark and
I'm feeling depressed and anxious


I'm looking for my head (hey)
I feel like I'm losing my mind


I want to read this book
I want to find some answers


But it's getting pretty dead (hey)
But I'm not getting anything from it


I want to sleep
I want to escape from reality


But I'd rather be alive (hey)
But I know I should face my problems


????????
I'm struggling to find my way


When I hit you in the eye (hey)
When I finally face the truth


It's my life, up your ass
It's my own life and nobody else's business


It's my flesh, up your bed
I'll deal with my own problems and emotions


You know you can't lose
You don't have to worry


It's alright
Everything will be fine


I always step on crack
I take risks and don't care about consequences


I don't care my back (hey)
I don't worry about getting hurt


When I step online
When I try to escape reality through the internet


I think it's pretty fine (hey)
I find some temporary relief


???????
He wants to escape from reality too


It's my light, up your height
I'll shine my own light and rise above


It's my flight, up your night
I'll soar high and bring light to your darkness


Hit me twice
I can take whatever life throws at me


Hit me tight
I won't back down or give up




Contributed by Maria B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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