I've Seen It All

Björk's song 'I've Seen It All' is a profound exploration of contentment and the human experience. The lyrics convey a sense of having lived a full life, having witnessed both the mundane and the extraordinary. The opening lines, 'I've seen it all, I have seen the trees, I've seen the willow leaves dancing in the breeze,' set the tone for a journey through various life experiences, both beautiful and tragic. The mention of witnessing a man killed by his best friend and lives that ended prematurely adds a layer of depth, suggesting that the singer has seen the full spectrum of human emotions and events.

The song contrasts the idea of seeing grand, worldly sights with the simplicity of everyday experiences. When the other voice in the song mentions not having seen elephants, kings, or Peru, the singer responds with a sense of indifference, emphasizing that these grand experiences are not necessary for a fulfilling life. This is further highlighted by the lines, 'I have seen water, its water, that's all...' and 'My pulse was as high on my very first date!' Here, Björk suggests that the emotional highs and lows of personal experiences are just as significant, if not more so, than seeing famous landmarks or achieving societal milestones.

The recurring theme of contentment is evident in the lines, 'I've seen what I chose and I've seen what I need, And that is enough, to want more would be greed.' This reflects a philosophy of appreciating what one has and finding fulfillment in the present moment. The song concludes with a reaffirmation of this contentment, stating that everything one has seen and experienced is sufficient. The final lines, 'You've seen what you were and know what you'll be, You've seen it all - there is no more to see!' encapsulate the idea that true satisfaction comes from within and that one does not need to chase after more to find happiness.