Easy/Lucky/Free

Bright Eyes' song 'Easy/Lucky/Free' delves into the complexities of modern life, existential dread, and the inevitability of death. The opening lines set a grim tone, referencing a world filled with violence and bloodshed, symbolized by 'refrigerators full of blood' and 'pointing guns at anything that moves.' This imagery paints a picture of a society obsessed with conflict and survival, where the protagonist feels disconnected and lost, questioning the meaning of it all.

The chorus offers a stark contrast, urging the listener not to weep for the fallen or the lost. Instead, it suggests that there is a certain freedom and luck in accepting the transient nature of life. The repetition of 'there is nothing as lucky, as easy, or free' serves as a mantra, encouraging a sense of liberation from the burdens of existential worry. This juxtaposition between the harsh realities of life and the idea of finding peace in acceptance is a central theme of the song.

In the second verse, the lyrics critique the monotony and superficiality of modern existence, warning against becoming a 'criminal in this police state' and urging people to conform by shopping, eating, and procreating. The mention of setting a watch to the atomic clock and the countdown to a bomb drop adds a sense of impending doom, reflecting the anxiety of living in a world where time feels finite and precious. The song concludes with a poignant image of friends planning to meet in death, lying 'in bags as dead as leaves,' suggesting a longing for connection and unity even in the face of mortality.

Overall, 'Easy/Lucky/Free' is a thought-provoking exploration of life's darker aspects, balanced by a message of finding solace in acceptance and the fleeting moments of freedom and luck that life offers.