Bread And Coffee

The Promise Ring's song 'Bread And Coffee' delves into the monotony and existential musings of everyday life. The opening lines, 'Drown yourself in bread and coffee / Fast forward right through the news,' set the stage for a routine existence where simple pleasures and distractions are used to cope with the mundanity. The act of window shopping, mentioned in the lyrics, symbolizes a longing for something more, a desire for change or fulfillment that remains just out of reach. This sentiment is encapsulated in the line, 'We could be anybody,' suggesting a loss of individual identity in the face of repetitive daily life.

The song also touches on themes of fear and transparency. 'Every time you take the water / We are too afraid to smile / Our faces turn transparent paper glass after a while,' evokes a sense of vulnerability and the fragility of human emotions. The imagery of 'transparent paper glass' suggests that prolonged exposure to routine and fear can make people feel insubstantial and easily broken. The mention of bees as indicators and the suggestion to 'go outside' hint at a natural world that offers a respite from the artificiality of modern life.

The recurring line, 'It's a long distraction between our satisfactions,' underscores the idea that life is filled with fleeting moments of joy amidst long stretches of distraction and dissatisfaction. The song's references to 'a graveyard of ships sunk in glass' and 'silverware buried out back' further emphasize the theme of hidden or forgotten aspirations and treasures. Ultimately, 'Bread And Coffee' is a poignant reflection on the struggle to find meaning and satisfaction in the everyday, urging listeners to seek out those rare moments of genuine happiness and connection.