Song From Under The Floorboards
Simple Minds Lyrics


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I am angry I am I'll and I'm as ugly as sin
My irritability keeps me alive and kicking
I know the meaning of life, it doesn't help me a bit
I know beauty and I know a good thing when I see it

This is a song from under the floorboards
This is a song from where the wall is cracked
By force of habit, I am an insect
I have to confess I'm proud as hell of that fact

I know the highest and the best
I accord them all due respect
But the brightest jewel inside of me
Glows with pleasure at my own stupidity

This is a song from under the floorboards
This is a song from where the wall is cracked
By force of habit, I am an insect
I have to confess I'm proud as hell of that fact

I used to make phantoms I could later chase
Images of all that could be desired
Then I got tired of counting all of these blessings
And then I just got tired

This is a song from under the floorboards
This is a song from where the wall is cracked




By force of habit, I am an insect
I have to confess I'm proud as hell of that fact

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Song From Under The Floorboards" by Simple Minds talks about the singer's frustration and existential crisis, as well as his acceptance of his own flaws and imperfections. The opening line, "I am angry I am I'll and I'm as ugly as sin" sets the tone for the rest of the song, depicting the singer's negative self-image. He is aware of the meaning of life but finds it useless, and interestingly, he takes pride in his irritability, which keeps him "alive and kicking."


The chorus "This is a song from under the floorboards, this is a song from where the wall is cracked, by force of habit, I am an insect, I have to confess I'm proud as hell of that fact" invokes the idea of being hidden or stuck in a small, unimportant space, such as under the floorboards, while observing the world from a distance. The metaphor of being an insect, following routine and living in an unremarkable existence, reinforces the idea of the singer having little control over his life.


The second verse talks about the singer's former pleasure in creating perfect illusions, but he has since grown tired of striving for something impossible. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and acceptance, making the best of the less-than-perfect circumstances of life.


Line by Line Meaning

I am angry I am I'll and I'm as ugly as sin
Despite my flaws and sickness, my anger keeps me going.


My irritability keeps me alive and kicking
My anger keeps me motivated and alive.


I know the meaning of life, it doesn't help me a bit
I have an understanding of life, but it doesn't bring me any solace or happiness.


I know beauty and I know a good thing when I see it
I understand what is beautiful and valuable in life when I come across it.


This is a song from under the floorboards
This is a song expressing the hidden and overlooked parts of myself.


This is a song from where the wall is cracked
This is a song coming from a place of vulnerability and brokenness.


By force of habit, I am an insect
I am stuck in a pattern of behavior and feel small and insignificant.


I have to confess I'm proud as hell of that fact
Even though I feel small and insignificant, I find pride in my consistency and reliability.


I know the highest and the best
I am knowledgeable and aware of the most ideal aspects of life.


I accord them all due respect
I give proper recognition and honor to those ideal aspects of life.


But the brightest jewel inside of me
The most valuable thing within me is


Glows with pleasure at my own stupidity
Is satisfied by my own foolishness and ignorance.


I used to make phantoms I could later chase
I used to have dreams and aspirations that I would pursue later on.


Images of all that could be desired
I had ideas about everything I could possibly want.


Then I got tired of counting all of these blessings
Eventually, I became weary of keeping track of all these potential blessings and aspirations.


And then I just got tired
And eventually, I grew tired of it all and lost my motivation.




Contributed by Nolan V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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