Out for a Walk
The Flaming Lips Lyrics

The Flaming Lips's song "Out for a Walk" is a melancholic reflection on the destructive consequences of human actions. It tells the story of the singer who goes out for a walk in the morning and is confronted with a "great big hole in the ground where the world used to be." The imagery of the hole in the ground suggests that something catastrophic has happened, and the "smell of burn" adds to the sense of devastation. The singer is taken aback by the suddenness of the event, expressing surprise by stating, "And I never thought that it would happen on a day like today."

As the walking continues, the somber tone of the lyrics persists, with the singer discovering that the catastrophe has brought about the end of the planet. It is worth noting that the song does not provide any detailed explanation or context for the event that led to the world’s end. This can be seen as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of natural disasters, war, and other catastrophic events that can happen without warning. The second verse of the song also suggests that the end of the planet was not something that happened overnight. It was a slow process that eventually led to a point of no return. The singer "knew that it was wrong," implying that humans were responsible for the destruction, but it was too late to reverse the damage.

The third verse of the song adds to the bleakness of the narrative. The singer goes out for a walk to "smell the air," but there is nothing there. The air is not only empty but has turned into a poisonous mix of fumes that causes him pain. The mention of "acid rain" reinforces the idea that human actions have led to the destruction of the planet.

"Out for a Walk" is a haunting reflection on the current environmental crisis, and the consequences of our actions. It serves as a warning that unless we act now, we too might end up walking in a world with "nothin' there."