Meaning of "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies" by Biffy Clyro

"Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies" delves into the existential struggle of grappling with mortality and the ephemeral nature of life. The lyrics evoke a sense of emotional turmoil and existential crisis, as the narrator expresses fear and discomfort with the idea of death. The opening lines, "Come on baby, do you think it's good to feel / Like I'm lying here swimming in memories?," highlight a sense of introspection and contemplation. The narrator questions the purpose and worth of their emotions and experiences, as they grapple with the fleeting nature of life.

The song continues with the line, "I fear God because everything dies, babe," suggesting a desire for some form of spiritual reassurance or solace in the face of mortality. The reference to having a gun in the back of their car can be interpreted as a symbol of the narrator's desperation or desire for control in the face of their fears. The line, "I've had enough of all your consolation," further emphasizes the narrator's frustration and disillusionment with conventional attempts to find comfort or meaning in life.

Throughout the song, there is a strong emphasis on the fear and awareness of death. The line, "I'm drowning, caught in a shit tide," conveys a feeling of being overwhelmed by the inevitability of death. The phrase, "Tape my face to the inside of love," can be interpreted as a longing for intimacy and connection as a means of escaping the harsh reality of mortality.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of seeking answers or guidance from a higher power. The line, "I pray to God that you're right before my eyes / Bathed in white light with halos in your eyes," showcases the narrator's yearning for some form of divine presence or hope for an afterlife. This longing highlights their desire for a sense of permanence or transcendence in the face of mortality.

The repetition of the lines, "Don't want to waste no more time / Time's what we don't have / Everywhere I look someone dies / Wonder when it's my turn," underscores the urgency and anxiety tied to the inevitability of death. The narrator expresses a sense of pressure to make the most of their limited time and experiences a heightened awareness of mortality, constantly reminded by the deaths around them.

In the closing lines, the lyrics convey a plea for salvation or escape, with the words, "Save yourself, you're not too far away." This suggests a desire to overcome the existential dilemma and find solace or liberation from the fear of death.

Overall, "Living is a Problem Because Everything Dies" grapples with the profound questions and uncertainties surrounding mortality. The lyrics depict a sense of fear, desperation, and longing for meaning and transcendence in the face of the inevitable.