They began as studio engineers at Mickie Most's RAK recording studio in London, engineering music for British groups like the Pet Shop Boys, Young Disciples, and Robert Plant. In 1997 they were asked by a college friend, Nigel Godrich (who was busy producing 'OK Computer'), to remix Radiohead's "Climbing Up the Walls". They called the mix "the Zero 7 Mix" which stuck.
Waiting to Die
Zero 7 Lyrics
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A beautiful day for an accident, let's say
Yes it's just a day, like any other day
Just one step closer to the end of the buffet
La la la la la la
La la la la, 'cause we're waiting to die
Now it's a good time for a tasty glass of wine
And everyone hurry, don't sit and abide
Yes, everyone stand up, we're running out of time
La la la la la la
La la la la, 'cause we're waiting here to die
Look what a terrible mess that we've made
The sun beats us down as we search for the shade
And, yes, it is true, death is everyone's fate
But we've made it this far, it's time to celebrate
La la la la la
La la la la, 'cause we're waiting here to die
La la la la la
La la la la, 'cause we're waiting here to die
The lyrics of Zero 7's song "Waiting to Die" explore the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The first verse describes the setting as just another day, but also acknowledges that it could be the day of an accident that leads to death. The repetition of "la la la la" creates a sense of nonchalance, as if death is an accepted fact and nothing more can be done about it. The second verse introduces the idea of enjoying life with a glass of wine, rather than worrying about the negative impact of carbon dioxide.
The third verse offers a commentary on the state of the world, with the search for shade from the beating sun and the acceptance that death is everyone's fate. But instead of dwelling on the negative, the lyrics suggest celebrating the fact that we have made it this far. The song seems to be suggesting that since we are all waiting for death, we might as well enjoy the time we have while we can.
Overall, the lyrics are introspective and philosophical, offering a unique perspective on a universal truth.
Line by Line Meaning
It's just a day like any other day
Today is like any other day, without any special meaning or purpose.
A beautiful day for an accident, let's say
Although it's a regular day, it's also a good day for an accident to happen.
Yes it's just a day, like any other day
As reiterated, today is not special or memorable.
Just one step closer to the end of the buffet
Each day leads us closer to death, which signifies the end of the meal, or life.
La la la la la la
This is a nonsensical, repetitive chorus meant to convey a sense of apathy or indifference towards the future.
La la la la, 'cause we're waiting to die
The chorus is repetitive and lacking clear meaning because the singer and likely listeners feel like they are simply biding their time until the inevitable end, death.
Now it's a good time for a tasty glass of wine
Given the sense of resignation, the singer views drinking as a good way to pass time or to forget about the inevitability of death.
Let's not burden our minds with carbon dioxide
The singer is suggesting that thinking too much about the negative aspects of life could be stifling, similar to how too much carbon dioxide can be suffocating.
And everyone hurry, don't sit and abide
The singer is advocating for aggressiveness and avoiding complacency in the pursuit of one's goals, in spite of the ultimate outcome of death.
Yes, everyone stand up, we're running out of time
Everyone should be active and motivated since time is running out.
Look what a terrible mess that we've made
The singer laments the destruction that humans have wrought on the earth and their own well-being.
The sun beats us down as we search for the shade
Humans are suffering in a sun-scorched landscape because they have exhausted the resources necessary for survival.
And, yes, it is true, death is everyone's fate
This line is a direct statement reiterating that death is inevitable for all, regardless of circumstance.
But we've made it this far, it's time to celebrate
Despite the difficult circumstances of life and the inevitability of death, it's still worth celebrating the accomplishments of making it through so far.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HENRY BINNS, SAM HARDAKER, SIA KATE I. FURLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind