This is how it seems to be
Other people's lives seem more interesting
Because they ain't mine
Other people's lives seem more interesting
Because they ain't mine
Other people's lives seem more interesting
Because they ain't mine
Other people's lives seem much more interesting

Well, I'm fed up and I need to go
Out of existence or just down the road forever
Well, later that night on the side of the road
I'm out of gas and I should have known better
Well, a guy shows up, he's 25 years old
Always thought this kid was such a mama's boy
He said, and that's what he said
He's been in the army and he did some speed
He went down to Thailand, and he did the deed
Oh yeah, he did it for the boys
A cop shows up, way damn late
I was excited, but usually I hate to see them

Other people's lives seem more interesting
Because they ain't mine
Other people's lives seem more innocent
Because they ain't mine
Other people's lives seem more interesting
Because they ain't mine
Other people's lives seem more interesting
Because they ain't mine

Later that night on the side of the road
I'm out of gas and I should have known better, yeah
I'm fed up and I need to go out of existence
Or just down the road forever, oh yeah
Well, a guy shows up, he's 25 years old
Always steals his kisses, such a mama's boy
He said, and that's what he said
Palm tree houses way down the lane
I was excited but usually I hate to see them, yeah

(Isaac mumbling)

On the road
Out of road
Going out
Out of gas
Out of road
Out of car
Out of everything at last
Out, out, rent a car
Got yourself a crazy walk
Said a bowlegged
Or maybe you're just peglegged
Or something like that

Well, later at night on the side of the road
I'm out of gas and I should have known better, oh yeah
Cop showed up, way damn late
I was excited but usually I hate to see them, yeah

(Isaac mumbling)

Big car, and I should’ve promised myself
I can not go when there’s nothing better
And it’s better all alone on the side of the road
I could’ve sworn she left when I was drunk
My god, now her face is gone
It goes on and on and on and on
Out of gas and nothing left
Got caught but I’m still on the gas
I said, I said, I said now I’m going to break my pace

(Isaac mumbling)



Lyrics submitted by PLANES

Track duration: 07:10


Other People's Lives song meanings
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41 Comments

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  • 0
    Song Meaning:I can't stress enough how fantastically clever the structure of the song is.
    I think the most important part, which explains why he's out on the road alone, is lost, intentionally (by Brock), among the other lines casually mumbled near the end of the song. Heck, I didn't even notice the line(s) before I read the lyrics here and turned up the volume with headphones on.
    I think that this fact suggests that the protagonist is in denial.
    Flag MMfanon May 05, 2013   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Fed up with everything, same cycle of drugs and ups and downs, car (Isaac) has broken down and is miserable but still doesnt need these others help
    Flag DillaHeadon December 16, 2012   Link
  • +2
    General Comment:I want to start this of by saying this has to be my favourite MM song.

    Issac talks about being fed up and wanting to just drive away from it all. I believe this is a feeling that accompanies a lot of mental illnesses; a general displeasure with life and that "grass is greener" mentality.

    He hops in his car and heads down the road. Only to find himself sitting by his car in the dark, the gas meter reading empty and he is left wishing he didn't make such a rash decision. He wanted to escape but the realities of life have caught up with him again. Whether this be a child you have to care for, or bills you have to pay or simply a car running out of gas. The realities always get you.

    As he sits there on the road, a guy shows up. This 25 year old that reminds him of his past. He knows this guy, he associates him with something he doesn't like in his own gender. We've all known the kids from high school who joined the army to go shoot a gun and not think about it. This guy who appears runs on the typical guy programming; he joins the army to shoot a gun and get his dick wet. This considered, the guy has no advice or nothing to offer him. "He said... this is what he said..."... nothing.

    The police show up. He clearly doesn't enjoy the presence of authority, but considering his circumstances he couldn't be happier. He gets closer to home and recognizes the palm trees of his neighbourhood/whatever. It grounds him. He's happy, in an odd way, to be home. He has come back into the reality and not just that flight mentality.

    I dunno. To me this song is about trying to get away, realizes that no matter where you go life isn't all that different. And eventually you have to deal with reality.
    Flag Stickykeyboardblueson March 15, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Hi,
    The mumbling is in my opinion is one of the best parts :)
    kthxbai
    Flag pgmacdonon June 14, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I guess to me it just means life has lost its freshness and he's just gonna sit on the side of the road for a little bit. Anyways, my favorate Modest Mouse song... Wanna Karate chop sombodys fuckin head off when it gets to Buh duh duh, duh duh buh duh duh, duh duh duh...
    Flag RonPaulsuperheroon January 20, 2010   Link
  • -1
    General Comment:Thailand is notorious for underage prostitution (He went down to Thailand, and he did the deed, Oh yeah, he did it for the boys). This guy that's helping the narrator is a weirdo. He's talking about his days in the military, as well as his travels to Thailand. Despite his creepy demeanor mixed with signs of softness associated with mama's boys, the narrator is intrigued by this guy and his life. Usually the narrator hates to see cops (parties, etc.), but he's relieved to see one roll up, just in case this guy is a murderer or something.

    I dunno, that's my best guess for that part.
    Flag goinunionon August 10, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:i love you
    Flag natelessardon July 13, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:One of the great songs.
    Flag A_Raging_Bullon April 08, 2009   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:Out of gas
    Out of road
    Out of car
    Out of everything at last

    best lyrics ever in my opinion
    Flag tragictravistyon February 02, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:"building nothing out of something"
    Flag vintagerocketon April 14, 2008   Link

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