Pretty Old Man

No Buses' song 'Pretty Old Man' delves into the themes of aging, mortality, and the inevitable decline that comes with growing older. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of an older man who is struggling with the physical and emotional toll of aging. The opening lines, 'Your breath blows my hair in this crowded space / It stinks all the time because you're older,' set a somber tone, highlighting the physical decay that accompanies old age. The mention of smoking and the prediction of critical illness further emphasize the frailty and vulnerability of the elderly.

The song also touches on the relentless nature of work and the exhaustion that comes with it. Lines like 'Work hard all day long / You must take a rest / Feeling want to cry / Lost your honor' suggest a life of hard labor and the emotional burden it carries. The reference to a mother reading to the narrator and the need to remember over and over again hints at a longing for simpler, more comforting times, perhaps a childhood memory that contrasts sharply with the harsh realities of adult life.

The recurring chorus, 'We can live forever / We just sleep forever,' introduces a poignant reflection on mortality. The idea of living forever is juxtaposed with the notion of eternal sleep, a metaphor for death. This duality captures the human desire for immortality while acknowledging the inevitability of death. The repetition of these lines reinforces the cyclical nature of life and death, suggesting that while we may strive for eternal life, we ultimately find peace in eternal rest. 'Pretty Old Man' is a melancholic yet thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, aging, and the acceptance of our finite existence.