also, this is the ending soundtrack of Christopher Nolan's excellent movie "The Prestige".
Analyse
Thom Yorke Lyrics
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You're born and raised across the street
In algebra, in algebra
The fences that you cannot climb
The sentences that do not rhyme
In all that you can ever change
The one you're looking for
It gets you down
It gets you down
There's no spark
No light in the dark
It gets you down
It gets you down
You travel far
What have you found
That there's no time
There's no time
To analyze
To think things through
To make sense
Like cows in the city
They never looked so pretty
Bad power cuts and blackouts
Sleeping like babies
It gets you down
It gets you down
You're just playing a part
You're just playing a part
You're playing a part
Playing a part
That there's no time
There's no time
To analyze
Analyze
Analyze
The lyrics of Thom Yorke's song Analyse seems to explore the idea of the limitations and restrictions we impose on ourselves in our daily lives. It begins with a self-fulfilling prophecy, where we limit our possibilities despite endless opportunities. The next lines speak of the inherent limitations that we face, the fences we cannot climb and the sentences that do not rhyme. These limitations that we face are what we interact with in our pursuit of change, and the one change we hope to make is to find what we're looking for.
The song then depicts the frustration that arises when things don't go as planned, and when we feel stuck and defenseless in the dark. Even after traveling far and wide, we may realize that we haven't found what we're looking for. We're just wandering around, without really analyzing what's happening in our lives or making sense of it all. Throughout the song, the lyrics suggest that we're just playing a part that's been assigned to us, and that there's no time to analyze or make sense of things.
Interestingly, the last few lines examine the idea of comfort in chaos, and how even in the midst of power cuts and blackouts, we can find solace in our surroundings. The song ends with a call to action, imploring us to analyze and think things through.
Line by Line Meaning
A self-fulfilling prophecy of endless possibility
The idea that what you believe is what you achieve, and that there is an infinite number of possibilities available to you.
You're born and raised across the street
The idea that someone's potential is not dependent on their background or upbringing.
In algebra, in algebra
Referencing the idea that algebra is a way of solving problems logically and systematically, and suggesting that the same approach can be applied to life.
The fences that you cannot climb
Obstacles that seem insurmountable or impossible to overcome.
The sentences that do not rhyme
Disjointed thoughts and ideas that do not fit together, resulting in confusion and uncertainty.
In all that you can ever change
Emphasizing the idea that there are many things in life that cannot be changed or controlled, and that it's important to focus on the things that you can affect.
The one you're looking for
The thing or person that will bring happiness or fulfillment in life.
It gets you down
Acknowledging that the struggles and challenges of life can be disheartening and depressing.
There's no spark
There is a lack of excitement and inspiration in life.
No light in the dark
There is a sense of hopelessness and despair.
You travel far
The idea that someone has gone on a journey or pursued their dreams in search of happiness or fulfillment.
What have you found
Questioning whether the journey or pursuit has resulted in finding what one was looking for.
That there's no time
The idea that time is limited and that one must take action to achieve their goals and dreams.
To analyze
The importance of taking time to analyze and strategize one's actions and decisions in order to achieve success.
To think things through
The idea that one must consider the consequences and outcomes of their actions before making decisions.
To make sense
The importance of understanding the reasoning and purpose behind one's actions.
Like cows in the city
A metaphor for feeling out of place, strange, or awkward in a new or unfamiliar environment.
They never looked so pretty
A realization that even though something seems unusual or different, it can still be appreciated and seen as beautiful.
Bad power cuts and blackouts
Predictable and unexpected events that interrupt daily life and cause frustration or disruption.
Sleeping like babies
Despite the challenges and disruptions of life, it's important to maintain a sense of calm and contentment.
You're just playing a part
The idea that sometimes people feel like they are living a scripted life, rather than following their true desires and passions.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind