Perpetual Self
Sufjan Stevens Lyrics


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Everything is lost, uh oh
But I know that you can take it to the Lord
Everything you want, uh oh
Is it all that you can gather for yourself?

Do you love a lot, uh oh?
It's the love that changes gifts to everyone
Everything is lost, uh oh
Is it strange that you perpetuate yourself?

You wonder what it costs, uh oh
It's the joy that he will carry to the door
Everything is lost, uh oh
Still I know that you can take it to the world

All that he has given to the world
All that he has given to the world
All that he has given to the world
All that he has given to the world





All that he has given to the world
All that he has given to the world

Overall Meaning

In Sufjan Stevens's song Perpetual Self, the lyrics explore themes of loss, love, and self-perpetuation. The opening lines, "Everything is lost, uh oh / But I know that you can take it to the Lord," suggest a sense of hopelessness and despair, but also a belief in the power of faith to overcome adversity. The next line, "Everything you want, uh oh / Is it all that you can gather for yourself?" questions whether our desires and material possessions are truly fulfilling and worth pursuing.


The song then delves into the idea of love and how it can transform gifts into something meaningful for everyone. "Do you love a lot, uh oh? / It's the love that changes gifts to everyone." This suggests that love is a transformative force that can bring us closer to others and make our actions more meaningful. However, the chorus repeats the idea that "everything is lost" and questions whether it's strange to perpetuate oneself in the face of this loss.


The song ends with a sense of hope and optimism, as Stevens sings, "Still I know that you can take it to the world / All that he has given to the world." This final line suggests that despite the challenges and hardships we may face, we all have something to offer to the world and can find meaning and purpose in sharing our gifts with others.


Overall, Perpetual Self is a thought-provoking and introspective song that encourages listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and values, and to find hope and meaning in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Everything is lost, uh oh
Despite all that you have lost, you still hold onto hope


But I know that you can take it to the Lord
You believe that you can find solace and strength through faith in a higher power


Everything you want, uh oh
You seek to fulfill all your desires and needs


Is it all that you can gather for yourself?
You question whether selfishness is the only way to attain what you crave


Do you love a lot, uh oh?
You inquire about the depth and extent of one's love


It's the love that changes gifts to everyone
You recognize that love has the power to transform one's actions towards others


Is it strange that you perpetuate yourself?
You ponder whether self-preservation is a peculiar notion


You wonder what it costs, uh oh
You are curious about the price of one's choices and sacrifices


It's the joy that he will carry to the door
You acknowledge that spreading joy and happiness is a fulfilling pursuit


Still I know that you can take it to the world
You maintain hope that one can make a positive impact in society


All that he has given to the world
Reflecting on the contributions that others have made


All that he has given to the world
Appreciating the efforts and achievements of individuals


All that he has given to the world
Recognizing the positive difference that one can make


All that he has given to the world
Acknowledging the power of one's actions and words


All that he has given to the world
Celebrating the impact that one can have on others


All that he has given to the world
Emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive legacy




Lyrics © NEW JERUSALEM MUSIC
Written by: SUFJAN STEVENS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Stella

the nostalgia is flooding on rn!!!! i watched babies like every day with my sisters when we were little.. im so happy i found this song

Jacob Burgess

It's 4:22 in the morning and I'm writing my research paper for class. It's due at 1 o'clock. I just decided to pull an all nighter and get this paper finished. This song is getting me pumped up! go Sufjan!

Jared Gohr

Jacob Burgess hope you passed that class 7 years ago!

kirsty

If I hadn't have watched the babies trailer I never would have found my fave artist and song

Mj doremi

I used to sing this song when i was 8, because i heard it on a babies trailer in one of the commercials in my favorite barbie movie. smh now it just gives me nostalgia 💕

haveyoueverhadadream

+Kirsty Thomson sameee! sigh da good ol'days

brawr

@Kirsty Thomson That was me in 2010. It was the greatest. :)

shulamit1991

"Babies" is a documentary about the first year in the lives of babies living in Mongolia, Japan, Namibia and the US.

Peachy_Peach

I'VE FOUND THE SONG!!! I FINALLY FOUND THE SONG!!!
THE SONG!

Viskit

We need more music like this

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