Meaning of "Five of Everything" by 311

In "Five of Everything," the lyrics delve into the internal struggle of the protagonist who feels trapped in their own mind. They acknowledge their attempts to find contentment but admit that there is no room in their mind for anything new. The line "that's just the way it is must I remind" suggests a resignation to the fact that life is often stagnant and unchanging.

The song highlights the futile nature of communication, with the protagonist ignoring phone calls because there is "nothing left to say." It implies that they have exhausted all avenues of discussion and are left with a sense of futility. This sense of repetition is captured in the line "The story never ends, in search of something, but once we arrive it all starts again." It portrays an endless cycle of searching, arriving at a supposed destination, and realizing that the journey has to begin again.

The lyrics also touch on addiction and the numbing effects it has on the protagonist. The repetition of "Drink another drink, and somehow I still feel the same" illustrates their attempt to escape their emptiness through substance use, but ultimately finding no relief. This struggle is further emphasized with the lines "Step off, head out, take flight, and just run, got five of everything but I just need one." It showcases the internal conflict between their wants and needs, where they possess an excess of material possessions but are still lacking fulfillment.

The song also criticizes consumer culture and its impact on society. The line "Living in this culture can be a drag, it's just a commercial what we have" points to the shallowness and materialistic nature of modern society. It suggests that people are driven by a "one track mind," constantly pursuing more, without considering the true value or meaning of their possessions. The lyrics encourage a shift away from this mindset, urging listeners to disregard societal expectations and "wake the truth."

In essence, "Five of Everything" by 311 explores the struggle to find fulfillment in an unfulfilling world. It delves into the internal conflicts of the protagonist, their attempts to escape their dissatisfaction, and the realization that material possessions alone cannot bring true happiness. The song calls for a shift in perspective, emphasizing the need to break free from societal expectations and prioritize personal fulfillment.