You | Devil | Me
The Hanna Barbarians Lyrics
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I try to move my arms and legs but I ain't going nowhere
I'm laughing, I'm drinking when I'm with you
But when I'm alone I'm just thinking about all the things I've got to do
Well I went to the office to lift this curse
I put in my time but it just made it worse
Now I'm back at the start, back at the start
The Hanna Barbarians's song "You | Devil | Me" is a melancholic yet reflective piece that evokes the feeling of feeling trapped in a situation, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental. The lyrics "Well I'm breathing, I'm sinking, into my chair, I try to move my arms and legs but I ain't going nowhere" give the listener a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. The singer's laughter and drinking when with the person they love serve as temporary distractions, but when alone, they are consumed by their thoughts and the endless tasks they have to do.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm breathing, I'm sinking, into my chair
I am alive, but I feel stuck and unmotivated.
I try to move my arms and legs but I ain't going nowhere
I feel physically stagnant and unable to make progress.
I'm laughing, I'm drinking when I'm with you
I am happy and relaxed in your company.
But when I'm alone I'm just thinking about all the things I've got to do
My mind is overwhelmed with responsibilities when I am left to my own thoughts.
Well I went to the office to lift this curse
I attempted to improve my situation through work or a solution.
I put in my time but it just made it worse
My efforts did not yield positive results and may have even worsened my situation.
Now I'm back at the start, back at the start
I feel like I have made no progress and am starting over again.
Life's so hard but its not that hard, just to get along
Life has its challenges, but getting by and finding contentment can be simple.
Contributed by Taylor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.