Everything

Ben Howard's song 'Everything' is a poignant reflection on the inevitability of change and the necessity of letting go. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a place filled with personal memories, where the natural world continues its course unaffected by human experiences. The imagery of birds singing, a white house on a hill, and a church spire over a river evokes a sense of timelessness and continuity, contrasting sharply with the transient nature of human life and relationships. This juxtaposition highlights the theme that while the world remains constant, our personal worlds are subject to change and eventual endings.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of life. Howard sings about the need to start anew and the inevitability of endings, using the metaphor of kingdoms and kings to illustrate that even the most powerful and seemingly permanent things must come to an end. This metaphor serves to remind listeners that change is a natural part of life, and clinging to the past can be detrimental. The repetition of the idea that 'everything must start again anew' reinforces the message that renewal and rebirth are essential aspects of the human experience.

The song also touches on the theme of memory and its impermanence. The sun, a symbol of constancy and life, is described as being 'lost to these memories we found,' suggesting that even our most cherished memories can fade over time. However, the sun's return 'when it's all done' offers a glimmer of hope and continuity beyond our individual lives. This duality of loss and renewal is central to the song's message, encouraging listeners to embrace change and find solace in the natural cycles of life.

'Everything' by Ben Howard is a beautifully crafted meditation on the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the importance of letting go. Through its rich imagery and thoughtful metaphors, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find peace in the ever-turning wheel of life.