Life Goes On

The Sundays' song 'Life Goes On' is a poignant exploration of resilience and the human condition. The lyrics delve into the emotional highs and lows that everyone experiences, emphasizing the transient nature of feelings. The opening lines, 'Build me up don't get me down / Weather the storm / Well, life goes on,' set the tone for the song, suggesting that despite the challenges and emotional turbulence, life continues. This sentiment is reinforced by the imagery of being 'up in the clouds' and then sinking 'like a stone,' illustrating the unpredictable ebb and flow of emotions.

The song also touches on the ways people cope with their struggles. The repeated question, 'So do you feel yourself with pills / to deaden your ills / Or are you only one love short of happiness,' highlights the search for relief and happiness. It suggests that some might turn to medication to numb their pain, while others believe that love is the missing piece to their happiness. This dichotomy reflects the broader human experience of seeking solace and meaning in different ways.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a more introspective turn. The lines 'And in a picture on the wall / No glimmer of yourself at all / You've left yourself / Far away' convey a sense of disconnection and loss of self. However, the song ultimately offers a message of hope and self-liberation. The call to 'untie yourself' and the imagery of growing wings and flying symbolize breaking free from the constraints that hold one back. The final lines, 'It strips you of yourself / And it splits you from the self / That you know,' underscore the importance of staying true to oneself despite life's challenges.