The Answer
UNKLE & Big In Japan Lyrics

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Here we are
Burning up in our cars
And in our hearts

Better days
Sleeping late, with a headache
Perfect weather

Congregate
Lay in wait for an answer
They're still waiting

With your tea
Lucky states as the day breaks
The blind are leading the blind

Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather
Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather
Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather
Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather

Xenon lights
Dots go dashing the highways
Nothing's moving

Radiates
Everything lasting for seconds
Evaporated

Lover's lips
Drinking late at the station
Smiling faces

Comic weep,
Wiping your face in whatever
There's an answer.

Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather
Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather
Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather

Better, better days with a headache
Perfect weather

Overall Meaning

"The Answer" by UNKLE & Big In Japan is a song that deals with the anxieties and uncertainties of modern life. The opening lines, "Here we are, Burning up in our cars And in our hearts," suggest a feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed by the world around us. The lyrics go on to describe a sense of waiting for something--an answer--but that answer never seems to come. The line, "Lay in wait for an answer, They're still waiting" embodies this theme of waiting, yet unsatisfied.

The second verse of the song offers a contrast with the first, as the lyrics paint a picture of a world where things are idyllic--"Better days, Sleeping late, with a headache, Perfect weather." Yet, even in this idealized world, there is still a sense of unease and dissatisfaction. The line "The blind are leading the blind" continues to underscore the idea of uncertainty and a lack of direction.

The final verse brings the song back to its central question, "Is there an answer?" The lyrics continue to describe a world that is chaotic and confusing, with "Xenon lights" and "Dots go dashing the highways". Despite this chaos, the song ends on a note of optimism, with the lines "There's an answer" and "Better, better days with a headache, Perfect weather." The implication is that, while the answer may not be immediately apparent, there is hope for a better future.

Line by Line Meaning

Here we are
We find ourselves in the current moment

Burning up in our cars
Driving recklessly and with excitement

And in our hearts
Experiencing intense emotions

Better days
A time when things were easier or happier

Sleeping late, with a headache
Feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated

Perfect weather
Ideal atmospheric conditions

Congregate
Gather together in one place

Lay in wait for an answer
Patiently waiting for a solution or explanation

They're still waiting
The answer has not yet arrived

With your tea
Enjoying a calming activity

Lucky states as the day breaks
Feeling fortunate as a new day begins

The blind are leading the blind
Those without knowledge or insight are trying to guide others

Xenon lights
Bright vehicle headlights

Dots go dashing the highways
Fast-moving cars on the road

Nothing's moving
Feeling stuck or stagnant

Radiates
Sends out waves of energy

Everything lasting for seconds
Experiences passing by quickly

Evaporated
Disappeared or dissolved

Lover's lips
The mouth of a romantic partner

Drinking late at the station
Having a drink at a train or subway stop

Smiling faces
Happy and content expressions

Comic weep
Laughing even while crying

Wiping your face in whatever
Dealing with emotional distress in any way possible

There's an answer
A solution or explanation is available