Song meaning of Everlasting Nothing by Beck

The lyrics of "Everlasting Nothing" by Beck convey a sense of searching and longing in the face of a seemingly empty existence. The song speaks to the feeling of being lost and disconnected in a world that can be overwhelming and indifferent. 

In the first verse, the line "You threw the keys to the kingdom over a skyscraper wall" suggests a sense of throwing away or abandoning opportunities for success or fulfillment. The mention of "sowing seeds somewhere obsolete" indicates a feeling of investing time and energy into something that may no longer be relevant or meaningful. The phrase "everlasting nothing" signifies a sense of emptiness and insignificance, emphasizing the weight and futility of the narrator's experiences.

The chorus reflects on the transient nature of friendships and the lack of purpose, comparing it to being a soldier without a song. Despite the constant effort to find a way back home, the search seems futile in the face of the everlasting nothing.

In the second verse, the line "I woke up in a movie, didn't know if it was my whole life" suggests a disconnect or disorientation from reality. The mention of laughing before crying implies that the narrator has become numb to their own emotions and experiences. The image of washing up on the shoreline and receiving a standing ovation for the funeral of the sun highlights the paradoxical nature of existence – a mix of beauty and despair.

The outro repeats the phrase "nowhere child, keep on running" as a mantra. It encourages persistence and perseverance in the face of uncertainty, suggesting that eventually one will find something meaningful in the everlasting nothing.

Overall, the song portrays a sense of alienation, yearning, and the quest to find purpose and meaning in a world that often feels empty. It captures the universal human experience of grappling with existential questions and the desire to belong and connect.