All For The Best
Thom Yorke / Mark Mulcahy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one looked me in the eye
The more I tried, the more I cried
But it's all for the best
Watch my brother cutting grass outside
Sitting on the porch he told me
It's a long way to go 'fore we can rest
You're so beautiful it seems
On a lonely lazy morning
When I see you rocking back and forward
Whispering that it's all for the best
One day the stone will roll away
Soon you'll see
Far away from home but never far away from me
And that's all for the best
Promise me son not to do the things I've done
Walk away from trouble
Promise me son not to do the things I've done
Walk away from trouble
Say you love me, say you love me
Say you love me
Say you love me, say you love me
Say you love me, let's just say you love me
The lyrics of Thom Yorke's All For The Best can be interpreted as a reflection on life, its struggles, and ultimately the acceptance of the best that can come from it. The first stanza speaks to a feeling of isolation and loneliness, being ignored by those around, and crying out for help. However, as the chorus repeats, this is all for the best. The second stanza shifts to a conversation with a brother, acknowledging the long journey ahead, but still believing in the ultimate outcome. The third stanza turns to a love interest, with Yorke describing their beauty and how they bring comfort to him. They too, however, are met with the sentiment that everything in life happens for a reason, and it's all for the best. The song ends with a father-son conversation where the father advises the son to avoid his mistakes and walk away from trouble. Despite the potential struggles ahead, they can still find love and comfort, as long as they accept that it's all for the best.
Line by Line Meaning
Waking up and the bed was made
I woke up to find that someone else made my bed, but it's not important enough for them to even acknowledge me.
No one looked me in the eye
I can't seem to make eye contact with anyone and it feels like everyone is avoiding me.
The more I tried, the more I cried
The harder I try to connect with others, the more I feel like I'm failing and it brings me to tears.
But it's all for the best
Despite the difficulties I'm facing, I have to believe that everything is happening for a reason and that it will eventually lead to something good.
Watch my brother cutting grass outside
I observe my brother doing something simple like cutting grass, and it reminds me how far we still have to go to achieve our goals.
Sitting on the porch he told me
My brother and I have a conversation about our future plans and it feels overwhelming.
It's a long way to go 'fore we can rest
We both know that we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, and we won't be able to relax until we reach our goals.
You're so beautiful it seems
I see someone who is so captivating and attractive that they almost seem unreal or too good to be true.
On a lonely lazy morning
It's a peaceful, quiet morning with nothing much to do, but I still feel alone.
When I see you rocking back and forward
I notice someone swaying gently back and forth, as if they're deep in thought or feeling emotional.
Whispering that it's all for the best
Despite whatever hardships they may be facing, this person can still see the bigger picture and has faith that things will work out in the end.
One day the stone will roll away
A metaphor for overcoming obstacles and moving forward, regardless of how heavy or permanent they may seem.
Soon you'll see
I have confidence that the person I'm talking to will soon realize their own strength and resilience.
Far away from home but never far away from me
Even when we're physically separated, we still have a strong emotional connection that can't be broken.
Promise me son not to do the things I've done
As a parent, I want my child to learn from my mistakes and avoid making the same ones that I did.
Walk away from trouble
I advise my child to avoid unnecessary conflict and negative situations whenever possible.
Say you love me, say you love me
I'm trying to get reassurance and validation from the person I'm speaking to by asking them to tell me that they love me.
Say you love me
I just need to hear those words from someone else in order to feel secure and at peace.
Say you love me, say you love me
I keep repeating the request because I'm desperate to feel loved and accepted.
Say you love me, let's just say you love me
I know that I can't force someone to love me or say something they don't mean, but I'm still hoping for a positive outcome.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MARK JOSEPH MULCAHY, RAYMOND DAVID NEAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@trojanpony
Fun fact: The backing vocals, starting with the “Watched my brother...” verse, are sung by Thom’s actual brother, Andy Yorke.
@livingonsunshinesunshine7479
wow sounds just like tom
@partofthetribe3277
That is an amazing fact. It's good to be close to your brother mine is my best friend.
@CraigStCyrPlus
I highly doubt this.
@Everclearfan86
In 2009, my family moved to rural Louisiana. I was 15, anxious and depressed, and just getting into both Radiohead and Miracle Legion when this cover came out. It couldn't have been more perfect timing.
@selgesel
Thom really did this song justice, much respect
@mouthbreather69
A worthy tribute to a brilliant and under-appreciated artist.
@StonefolkNetwork
Miracle Legion are, in my opinion, near the top of the list of all-time under appreciated bands. They should've been as big as REM. Lucky enough to see them live at the Echoplex years ago and it was just incredible.
@AzimuthTao
Surprise Surprise Surprise is one of the most complete albums from the 80s.
It still holds up today and probably will forever.
@sebastianrodriguez236
this is the most beautiful thing i haver ever listened to, its truly wonderful, i love the original but this rendition is oh so moving, i play this song whenever i need to cry, it heals, thank life for such a song