Meaning of "All That I See" by Matt Corby

The lyrics of "All That I See" explore the duality of human existence, juxtaposing the beauty and innocence found in individuals with the harsh realities and challenges of the world. The line "All that I see is beautiful faces, smiling at me from the darkest of places" suggests that even in the midst of darkness, there is still beauty and hope to be found in humanity. The image of "praying for love with a gun in their hands" provides a stark contrast between the desire for love and the presence of violence and fear. It raises the question of whether love and peace can truly be attained in a world that is so deeply divided and plagued by conflict.

The repetition of "give it up, live it up, pick it up" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the choices individuals must make in their lives. It can be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to let go of their fears and inhibitions ("give it up"), embrace the present moment and live life to the fullest ("live it up"), and take responsibility for their actions and decisions ("pick it up"). The lyrics seem to suggest that only by facing and accepting the harsh realities of the world can true freedom and happiness be achieved.

The song also touches upon the theme of self-delusion or ignorance. The line "praying for light with their heads in the sand, do you understand? This is just how it ends" suggests that many people choose to ignore or deny the reality of their circumstances, preferring to believe in false narratives and illusions of safety. The repetition of "until you're buried underground" further emphasizes the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. It implies that individuals should not waste their time hiding from the truth or avoiding difficult choices, but rather confront the challenges head-on.

Overall, "All That I See" is a thought-provoking song that encourages introspection and self-reflection. It challenges listeners to confront the contradictions and complexities of the world they inhabit, and to actively participate in shaping their own destinies.