Anything

In 'Anything,' Sixpence None The Richer delves into the emotional and existential struggles faced by artists and individuals in a world that often feels devoid of meaning and direction. The song opens with a poignant admission: 'This is my forty-fifth depressing tune,' setting the tone for a narrative steeped in melancholy and frustration. The lyrics describe the pressures of commercialism ('They're looking for money as they clean my artistic womb') and the sacrifices artists must make to survive, often at the cost of their creative integrity. The 'black in our pocket' symbolizes financial constraints that prevent them from fighting 'a proper fight,' highlighting the tension between artistic expression and economic survival.

The chorus, with its plea for clarity ('Can you shed some light on the problem maybe'), captures a universal longing for guidance and purpose. The reference to a 'burning bush-type sign' alludes to the biblical story of Moses, who received divine guidance through a burning bush. This metaphor underscores the desperation for a clear, unmistakable sign to navigate life's uncertainties. The repetition of 'anything would be fine' suggests a willingness to accept any form of direction, no matter how small, to alleviate the pervasive sense of confusion and despair.

The song also touches on themes of control and manipulation, as seen in the lines 'We're all told to dance but we never picked the tune' and 'Hanging like puppets they feed us from bent steel spoons.' These metaphors convey a sense of powerlessness and the struggle to maintain autonomy in a world that often dictates our actions and choices. The imagery of 'sealing our lips for the someday when the needle and the vinyl play all the songs of the pain' speaks to the hope that one day, the true stories of struggle and resilience will be heard and understood. 'Anything' is a poignant reflection on the search for meaning, the challenges of artistic expression, and the universal desire for clarity in a confusing world.