The Little Things

Danny Elfman's song "The Little Things" delves into the often-overlooked minutiae of daily life that can accumulate and become overwhelming. The lyrics highlight how small, seemingly insignificant issues can pile up and create significant stress. The phrase "bad things come in twos" suggests that problems often appear in pairs, but the real challenge lies in the constant barrage of minor annoyances—the little things—that disrupt our lives. These small issues are portrayed as relentless and inescapable, demanding attention and causing frustration.

Elfman expresses a sense of exhaustion and frustration with the repetitive nature of these minor problems. The lines "And I'm through with repairs when there's nothing to fix" emphasize the futility of trying to address these issues when they seem endless and unresolvable. This repetition underscores the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of dealing with trivial matters that never seem to go away. The song suggests that these little things can be more challenging to handle than major crises, as they are constant and pervasive.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of personal responsibility and blame. The repeated line "And it all comes down to you" implies that someone is being held accountable for these minor issues, adding to the sense of frustration and helplessness. The song contrasts the ability to face significant challenges, like fate or Armageddon, with the difficulty of dealing with everyday annoyances. This juxtaposition highlights the irony that while we may be equipped to handle major life events, it's the small, persistent problems that can truly wear us down. Ultimately, "The Little Things" serves as a poignant reminder of the cumulative impact of minor stressors and the importance of addressing them before they become overwhelming.