The Living
Escaping the Living: Natalie Merchant's Reflection on Life's Choices
Lyrics
What's it like there outside
Expressing curiosity about the outside world.
With the living with the living
Repetition emphasizing the contrast between the speaker and the living.
Here I've found a place I can hide
Indicating the discovery of a place for concealment or solace.
From the living from the living
Emphasizing the desire to distance oneself from the living.
Because I don't care to stay with the living
Expressing a lack of interest in remaining with the living.
Oh the bottle has been to me
Referring to the bottle as a significant influence on the speaker's life.
My closest friend my worst enemy
Describing a complex relationship with the bottle, both a friend and an enemy.
For a flavor I walked a fine life
Highlighting the speaker's pursuit of excitement or pleasure in life.
Squandered it all and wasted my time
Regret over wasting opportunities and time.
And I don't stand a chance among the living
Expressing a feeling of not fitting in or succeeding among the living.
For the lovers I've gambled and lost
Acknowledging failed relationships and romantic endeavors.
Count my mistakes whatever the cost
Tallying the consequences of past mistakes, regardless of the cost.
I'll go off, I'll make myself scarce
Declaring an intention to withdraw or disappear.
Oh, come tomorrow
Referencing a future time when the speaker won't be present.
You won't find me here
Assuring that the speaker will be absent tomorrow.
Because I don't care to stay with the living
Reiterating the disinterest in staying with the living.
I don't think I'll remain with the living
Expressing doubt about remaining among the living.
And I don't care to stay with the living
Repeating the lack of interest in staying with the living.
No, I don't care to stay
Emphasizing the speaker's disinterest in remaining in the current state.
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