All We Ever Wanted Was Everything

Bauhaus's song "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything" captures a profound sense of disillusionment and yearning. The opening lines, "All we ever wanted was everything / All we ever got was cold," set the tone for the entire song, expressing a deep-seated desire for fulfillment and the stark reality of unmet expectations. This sentiment is further emphasized by the mundane and repetitive imagery of daily life, such as "Get up, eat jelly / Sandwich bars and barbed wire," which paints a picture of a monotonous existence where dreams are stifled by routine and confinement.

The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of youth and the harsh realities of industrial life. The lines "Flash of youth shoot out of darkness / Factorytown" juxtapose the vibrancy and potential of youth with the bleakness of a factory town, suggesting that the promise of youth is often overshadowed by the grim realities of adult life. The recurring mention of drums could symbolize the relentless march of time or the inescapable beat of industrial machinery, further reinforcing the theme of entrapment and the loss of individuality.

The closing line, "Oh, to be the cream," encapsulates the longing to rise above the mediocrity and constraints of everyday life. It reflects a desire to be exceptional, to stand out, and to achieve something greater than the ordinary. Bauhaus, known for their gothic rock style, often explores themes of existential angst and societal critique, and this song is a poignant reflection of those themes. The minimalist yet evocative lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own aspirations and the often harsh realities that stand in the way of achieving them.