Song Meaning

These lyrics open with a scene of profound disruption and fear. A "beast in the yard" has burned familiar paths, and fear has "crept in stealthily / as a mattress into the bed." It's a vivid picture of a world turned upside down, where even the most intimate spaces are invaded by dread. Amidst this chaos, the lyrics present a powerful emotional tension: the struggle between external devastation and an insistent call for inner resilience. A broken compass spins, and the calendar becomes desolate, yet the recurring message is to "trust in chance again" and remember, "you are still a beautiful person." This affirmation cuts through the surrounding despair, suggesting an inherent worth that persists despite circumstances. The craft here is particularly striking in its use of contrasting imagery. The initial scenes of destruction and a body "tired from the wind" give way to an extended metaphor of natural growth. "A tree grows / Roots strengthen / Towards the sky / Your hands will surely reach," the lyrics promise. This powerful image of a tree reaching skyward provides a tangible, organic symbol of perseverance and aspiration, directly countering the earlier sense of decay and disorientation. Ultimately, what makes these lyrics so effective is their direct, almost confrontational encouragement. The repeated refrain, "Whatever happens, happens," acknowledges life's unpredictability, but it's immediately followed by a stark choice: "Believe it or you will gradually wither." This isn't a gentle platitude; it's an urgent, vital instruction, transforming a moment of potential surrender into a defiant call to embrace inner strength and keep reaching for the sky.