Bitter Sweet Symphony
by The Verve
What is “Bitter Sweet Symphony” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
Bitter Sweet Symphony' by The Verve captures the inescapable paradox of life's trials and beautiful moments, focusing on the struggle to find purpose and the feeling of being trapped in one's circumstances.
So… what’s this song really about?
In 'Bitter Sweet Symphony', The Verve muses on the fundamental conflicts and contrasts of human existence, portraying life as a blend of joy and sorrow, success and struggle. The song confronts the reality of day-to-day survival and the inevitable end that comes for all, juxtaposing these existential themes with a personal narrative of resistance against change and growth. This tension is expressed through the recurring motif of being unable to change one's inherent nature, despite the constant evolution of one's identity and experiences. The metaphor of life as a 'symphony' further elaborates on this idea—suggesting that life, much like a composition, holds moments of both discord and harmony, and yet each individual feels bound by their predefined 'score' or fate. Thereby, the song raises compelling questions about personal freedom and the predetermined paths that one might struggle against, yet feel inseparably connected to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of 'the only road I've ever been down' in 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'?
It refers to the inevitable path or fate the narrator feels tied to, symbolizing life's journeys and the constraints within personal experiences and choices.
Q: Did 'Bitter Sweet Symphony' face any legal issues?
Yes, the song faced legal challenges due to its use of a sampled orchestration from an Andrew Oldham orchestration of The Rolling Stones' song 'The Last Time,' which led to legal actions.
Lyrics to “Bitter Sweet Symphony”
101 ContributorsTranslations
[Verse 3]
'Cause it's a bitter sweet symphony, that's life
Trying to make ends meet
Trying to find some money, then you die
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places
Where all the veins meet, yeah
[Chorus]
You know I can change, I can change
I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mould
I am here in my mould
And I'm a million different people from one day to the next
I can't change my mould, no, no, no, no, no
I can't change my mould, no, no, no, no, no
I can't change my mould, no, no, no, no, no
You've gotta change my mould, no, no, no
(It's just sex and violence, melody and silence)
(It's just sex and violence, melody and violence)
(It's just sex and silence, melody and silence)
(I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down)
(It's just sex and violence, melody and silence)
(I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down)
(It's just sex and violence, melody and violence)
Been down
Ever been down
(I can't change my mould, no, no, no, no, no)
(It's just sex and violence, melody and violence)
Ever been down
(I can't change my mould, no, no, no, no, no)
Ever been down
Ever been down
Have you ever been down?
Have you ever been down?
Have you ever been down?