With Or Without It

No Buses' song "With Or Without It" delves into the emotional turmoil of solitude and the quest for self-discovery. The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with loneliness, as evidenced by the repeated line, "I'm still fighting alone and walking in my room." This imagery suggests a sense of isolation and introspection, where the protagonist is left to confront their thoughts and emotions in the quiet of their own space. The night symbolizes a time of reflection, while the morning brings a harsh reality check, as others judge or "size" them up.

The chorus, with its repeated lines "Play it up, Play it up, We are all heroes in this world," serves as a rallying cry for resilience and self-empowerment. Despite the struggles and the feeling of being alone, the song encourages the listener to embrace their inner strength and recognize their own worth. The phrase "Let it go, Let it go, Out of the mind" suggests a need to release negative thoughts and focus on the present moment. This message is further emphasized by the plea for more time, indicating a desire for patience and understanding in the journey of self-discovery.

The song also touches on the theme of lost connections, as the protagonist reflects on the absence of friends and love. The line "I could not do everything without you, And your love is all gone" highlights the impact of these lost relationships on their sense of self. However, the repeated assertion that "we are all heroes" suggests that even in the face of loss and loneliness, there is an inherent strength within each individual. No Buses' musical style, characterized by its indie rock sound and introspective lyrics, perfectly complements the themes of the song, creating a poignant and relatable anthem for anyone navigating the complexities of solitude and self-discovery.