No Reason No Rhyme
Sirima Lyrics
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I wonder why I wonder at all
Is it just a means to pass the time?
Is there any justice here for the small,
Why is it that some men turn to crime?
Where is the reason, where's the rhyme... ?
Your father wants you to be what he couldn't be
Mother wants you to be just happy
Saying "love the girls but only marry the boys"!
Where is the reason, where's the choice?
Does anybody really know what life is hiding at the core
How can we be so sure we really die
'Coz we just don't breathe no more?
The rules and regulations are there to be obeyed
Or do you prefer to pay the time?
Never leave the shop till you're sure that you've paid
Something harmless could turn out a crime
Where is the reason, where's the rhyme... ?
Time, no reason, no rhyme...
I wonder why I wonder at all
Is it just a means to pass the time?
Is there any justice here for the small,
Why is it that some men turn to crime?
Where is the reason, where's the rhyme... ?
Does anybody really know what life is hiding at the core
How can we be so sure we really die
'Coz we just don't breathe no more?
Does anybody really know what life is hiding at the core
How can we be so sure we really die
'Coz we just don't breathe no more?
Should I be here where I am is it my destiny?
And after I've done what I can will I no longer be?
Sirima's song "No Reason No Rhyme" is a poignant reflection on the uncertainties of life and the lack of clear-cut explanations for various phenomena. The song opens with the lines, "Time, no reason, no rhyme…I wonder why I wonder at all. Is it just a means to pass the time? Is there any justice here for the small, Why is it that some men turn to crime? Where is the reason, where's the rhyme...?" The first verse touches upon the fundamental questions that humans have been asking themselves since time immemorial. The lack of rhyme and reason in life, especially in the face of injustice, can be confounding, causing individuals to question the purpose of their existence.
The second verse talks about the expectations that society places on individuals. Sirima touches upon the expectations parents put on children to excel in a particular field, while also trying to fit into societal norms. The lines "Your father wants you to be what he couldn't be,
Saying "back in my days we had no choice" / Mother wants you to be just happy / Saying "love the girls but only marry the boys"! / Where is the reason, where's the choice?" speak to the notion of how individuals are pulled into different directions when trying to lead a fulfilling life.
The final verse speaks to the ultimate question of existence: what happens after we die? Sirima's lines "Should I be here where I am is it my destiny? / And after I've done what I can will I no longer be?" reflect the introspective nature of her music, serving as a call to action for listeners to analyze the purpose of their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Time, no reason, no rhyme...
Life is unpredictable and doesn't follow a specific pattern or logic.
I wonder why I wonder at all
The singer questions the purpose of questioning life's mysteries.
Is it just a means to pass the time?
The singer wonders if pondering life's mysteries is simply a way to kill time.
Is there any justice here for the small,
The artist questions whether fairness exists for those who are less fortunate.
Why is it that some men turn to crime?
The artist questions the reasons why some individuals resort to illegal activities.
Where is the reason, where's the rhyme... ?
The singer is asking if there is a purpose or explanation for these uncertainties in life.
Your father wants you to be what he couldn't be
The singer refers to the common parental desire for their children to achieve what they couldn't.
Saying "back in my days we had no choice"
The artist quotes the parental perspective that they had fewer opportunities in the past.
Mother wants you to be just happy
The artist acknowledges the stereotypical maternal wish for their children's happiness.
Saying "love the girls but only marry the boys"!
The artist quotes societal expectations regarding gender roles and sexual orientation.
Where is the reason, where's the choice?
The singer questions the reasoning behind common societal expectations and lack of autonomy.
Does anybody really know what life is hiding at the core
The artist ponders the fundamental and unknown aspects of life.
How can we be so sure we really die
The singer questions the certainty and existence of a person's death.
'Coz we just don't breathe no more?
The singer questions whether death is simply the moment that an individual stops breathing.
The rules and regulations are there to be obeyed
The singer acknowledges the existence of societal laws and regulations.
Or do you prefer to pay the time?
The artist questions whether it is worth the risk to disobey these regulations and potentially suffer legal consequences.
Never leave the shop till you're sure that you've paid
The artist advises that one should ensure they have paid for their items before leaving a store, as a metaphor for obeying societal laws/rules.
Something harmless could turn out a crime
The singer warns that even seemingly innocuous actions could result in legal consequences.
Where is the reason, where's the rhyme... ?
The singer is asking if there is a purpose or explanation for these uncertainties in life.
Should I be here where I am is it my destiny?
The artist questions the concept of destiny and whether their current location/position is where they are meant to be.
And after I've done what I can will I no longer be?
The artist wonders what will happen to their existence after they have completed their life's purpose.
Contributed by Luke G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.