"Having Been Is No Way to Be" is a song by Jeff Tweedy, the lead singer and songwriter of the band Wilco. This song explores themes of self-reflection, regret, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics suggest a sense of naivety and innocence, symbolized by the untied shoes of the narrator. They describe a feeling of contentment in heaven, but a stark contrast is presented with the phones being dead and the light being out. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for a loss of connection and loss of direction in life. The line "And so are you, and honey so am I" highlights a feeling of emptiness and a lack of purpose. The song then shifts to portray the passage of time and the narrator's growth. The sapling tree represents an earlier stage of life, while the birds looking like the narrator suggests a sense of identification and belonging. However, there is a longing for change and new experiences, as the narrator begs their nerves to bring something new. The lyrics express a contemplation of freedom and how it relates to relationships. Watching someone sleep evokes a sense of intimacy, but also raises questions about the boundaries of freedom within a partnership. The narrator acknowledges their own shortcomings and expresses a sense of tiredness, both physically and emotionally. The second half of the song addresses the external perception of the narrator. People's curiosity about the drugs they may have taken refers to a desire for an explanation of their state of mind. Despite the lack of understanding from others, the narrator reflects on the insignificance of their actions and life events to those around them. The song then turns to a more introspective tone, with the narrator sharing their thoughts and experiences. The mention of reaching out and writing suggests a desire to communicate and express oneself. The line "Having been is no way to be alive" reflects a dissatisfaction with simply existing or going through the motions without fully experiencing life. The song ends with a plea for understanding and a reaffirmation of the narrator's presence. They express a hope for freedom and a desire to be seen and acknowledged by others. The final lines imply that the narrator will continue to be there when the person they address wakes up, indicating a longing for connection and a sense of belonging. Overall, "Having Been Is No Way to Be" can be interpreted as an introspective exploration of identity, regret, and the search for meaning in life. It delves into the complexities of relationships, the passage of time, and the desire for personal growth and fulfillment.
