Life's Coming In Slow

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Life's Coming In Slow' captures the essence of feeling trapped in the mundane and the desperate need for a change. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the passage of time, symbolized by the sand in an hourglass, which continues to slip away regardless of any attempts to reverse it. This metaphor highlights the inevitability of time's passage and the stagnation that the protagonist feels. The desire to 'get carried away' and set the mind 'on fire like a metal in a microwave' suggests a longing for excitement and a break from the monotony of everyday life.

The song delves deeper into the protagonist's dissatisfaction with their current situation. The mention of graffiti on the overpass stating 'there's no escape' and the mundane nature of a boring job and an unfulfilling relationship underscore a sense of entrapment. The protagonist seeks solace in music, whether it be 'glam, stomp, heavy metal, or radio wave,' as a means to escape the dullness. This craving for something tangible and physical to hold onto before slipping away reflects a deeper existential crisis and a fear of fading into obscurity.

The repeated refrain of 'life's been comin' in so slow' emphasizes the slow, dragging nature of the protagonist's existence. The urgency in the lyrics, with lines like 'I like to go fast, not slow' and 'need to get high, not low,' further underscores the need for a drastic change. The song encapsulates the universal human experience of feeling stuck and the desperate need for something more meaningful and exhilarating to break free from the chains of routine.