How to Live Today
S.T.R. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Burn bright through the night two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Two doors remain before your others and your own
Keep these books well stocked away and take your happy home

My carpenter's out and running about talking to the street
My pockets are out and running about
Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way
Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest
So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best

My carpenter's out and running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and running about
Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there

The hills ringing hear the words in time
Listen to the holler, listen to my walls within my tongue
Can't you see you made my ears go tin?
The air quicken tension building inference suddenly
Life and how to live it

Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest
So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best
Read about the wisdom lost, a knock, a knock, a knock
A secret knock one hammer's locked the other wisdom lost

My carpenter's out and running about, talking to the street
My pockets are out and running about
Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there
My carpenter's out and running about
Barking in the, listen to the holler
My pockets are out and running about
Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there

Listen, listen to the holler




I will write a book, it will be called
"Life and How to Live It"

Overall Meaning

The song “How to Live Today” by S.T.R. is a thoughtful reflection on life and the choices we make. The lyrics suggest that we should strive to “burn bright” and lead the way with two pockets, which could symbolize the things we carry with us on our journey. The walls that were recently raised represent new obstacles to overcome, and the two remaining doors could represent future challenges to face. The lyrics encourage readers to stockpile knowledge to take with them as they journey forward, towards their “happy home.”


The song then seems to shift focus to the carpenter, who is “out and running about talking to the street,” possibly representing the pursuit of material wealth or status. Meanwhile, the singer’s pockets are out “barking in the street” to reveal what he has hidden there, maybe suggesting the value of sharing our innermost thoughts and emotions with others. The second part of the song continues this metaphorical journey, with the hills ringing out the “words in time,” and the singer listening to his own inner voice, even as he grapples with the tension building inside.


Overall, the song seems to be a call to action to live life to its fullest, to strive for wisdom and to share our experiences and knowledge with others. It suggests that life can be challenging, with obstacles and choices to make, but that it is ultimately worth the effort, and that we can find peace and happiness if we stay true to ourselves.


Line by Line Meaning

Burn bright through the night two pockets lead the way
Stay strong and persevere, even in the darkest times, by relying on the resources you have available


Two doors to go between the wall was raised today
You have options available to you, so stay open-minded


Two doors remain before your others and your own
Make sure to consider the needs and wants of those around you, as well as your own


Keep these books well stocked away and take your happy home
Hold onto and cherish the things that make you happy in life, like books and time spent at home


My carpenter's out and running about talking to the street
My mind is preoccupied and wandering, distracted by external influences


Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there
I am trying to hide my vulnerability and true thoughts, but it is being betrayed by my words


Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest
Critique yourself and your own actions, take breaks when necessary, and reflect on ways to improve


So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best
Don't get stuck in one mindset or routine, switch things up to keep yourself motivated


Read about the wisdom lost, a knock, a knock, a knock
Look to the past for guidance and insights, and don't be afraid to ask for help


A secret knock one hammer's locked the other wisdom lost
Knowledge can be hidden away and lost, so make a conscious effort to seek it out and hold onto it


The hills ringing hear the words in time
The natural world is always present and can provide perspective and clarity


Listen to the holler, listen to my walls within my tongue
Pay attention to the signals your body and mind are giving you


Can't you see you made my ears go tin?
You have made me numb and desensitized to the world around me


The air quicken tension building inference suddenly
The atmosphere is charged with emotion and meaning, and things may change rapidly


Life and how to live it
The central theme of the song, emphasizing the importance of living life fully and intentionally


I will write a book, it will be called 'Life and How to Live It'
This line echoes the previous sentiment, and emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and experience in order to help others live their own lives to the fullest




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Michael Mills, Michael Stipe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

cruality

love this song so much

imsopov

STR broke up about 2 years ago so its going to be hard to find cd's especially in the states, I bought the box set at there final gig. They only had 1 album though

ohalistair

Just bought the When Words Fail EP for 50c at Cashies last weekend. BEST FIND EVER!

Dave9966

This is catchy stuff! If anyone needs their stuff msg me.

Tam Kitty

I believe they are playing a gig @ the Adelaide Uni Bar, August..

Scott Deakes

a great video!

martinezqx3

Does anyone have any Punchline recordings? Or 5Bah? I believe they both recorded albums that they never got around to releasing...

martinezqx3

Luke Griffis Thank you legend!

1 More Replies...

jimiemick

I love how some people hate on this, If you dont like it press the dislike button and keep your pathetic opinions to your self as no one really cares what you think!!! Awesome band tho. Shattered I missed the reunion show a few months back, Hopefully there will be another one.

ohalistair

December this year.

More Comments

More Versions