Enough
Private Island Lyrics
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Nurture beating out my better judgement
We could scream 'Oh God why did you do this?'
While still leaning on bad shoulders
After all the things I've been through
Was this delusion of control?
Like using hands to hold water
Sometimes I hate you
Cause I can't get enough
I can't just simply have it all Maybe it's my hand, with a knife at my neck
I can't just simply have it all Sometimes just a little's enough
Maybe I'm just thinking too much
All my numbers burning red now
Just like the color of my stomach
We consume like we breathe LA air
But what is it really all for?
Sometimes I hate you
Cause I can't get enough
I can't just simply have it all Maybe it's my hand, with a knife at my neck
I can't just simply have it all Sometimes just a little's enough
Maybe I'm just thinking too much
The lyrics to Private Island’s song “Enough” are about the struggle to find balance and satisfaction in life, specifically in the context of living in a big city like Los Angeles. The first verse sets the scene, referencing the city as a possible reason for the singer’s struggles. The second line suggests that their better judgement is being overridden by the “nurture” of the city, or perhaps the pressure to conform to certain societal norms. They question whether their desire for control is a delusion, like trying to hold onto water in your hands.
The chorus explores the feeling of not being able to get enough in life. The singer seems to blame this on someone or something else, saying “Sometimes I hate you” but the target of this hate is not specified. They feel like they can’t have it all and wonder if it’s because they are holding a knife to their own neck, implying they are their own worst enemy. The line “Sometimes just a little’s enough” may suggest that the singer should be happy with what they have, but they can’t help but desire more. They wonder if they are “just thinking too much” and if living in the city has caused them to lose perspective on what really matters.
Overall, “Enough” is a relatable song for anyone who has struggled with finding satisfaction and balance in their life, especially in the fast-paced environment of a big city like Los Angeles.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh we could blame it on this city
We want to put the blame of our current state on the city.
Nurture beating out my better judgement
I'm doing things that go against what I know is right because of my environment or upbringing.
We could scream 'Oh God why did you do this?'
We contemplate the existence of a higher power and question why things happen to us.
While still leaning on bad shoulders
We continue to rely on people who are not good for us.
After all the things I've been through
Considering all the trials and experiences I've faced
Was this delusion of control?
Did I ever really have control in the first place?
Like using hands to hold water
Trying to manage something that is impossible to control is like trying to hold water in your hands.
It just as quickly hits the floor
And just like that, it slips away and is out of your grasp.
Sometimes I hate you
In moments of frustration or weakness, I feel animosity toward you (the subject of the song).
Cause I can't get enough
Because no matter how much I try, I can never feel satisfied.
I can't just simply have it all
Even if I did have everything I wanted, it would not guarantee happiness.
Maybe it's my hand, with a knife at my neck
Perhaps I am my own worst enemy and self-sabotage my own success.
Sometimes just a little's enough
Occasionally, a little bit of something can be satisfactory.
Maybe I'm just thinking too much
Maybe I am overthinking and complicating things unnecessarily.
All my numbers burning red now
All the statistics and data I am tracking are indicating that things are not going well.
Just like the color of my stomach
This is causing me anxiety and stress, which is making me feel physically sick.
We consume like we breathe LA air
We mindlessly and excessively consume things, just like we breathe in the polluted air of Los Angeles.
But what is it really all for?
We question the purpose or reason for all of our consumption and desires.
Contributed by Ian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.