Conor Oberst
The Big Picture (Companion Version)
[Verse 1]
The picture's far too big to look at, kid
Your eyes won't open wide enough
You're constantly surrounded
By the swirling stream of what is and what was
Well, we all made our predictions
But the truth still isn't out
So if you want to see the future
Go stare into a cloud

[Verse 2]
You keep tryin' to find your way out
Of this maze of memories
It all sort of looks familiar
'Til you get up close, then it's different clearly
But each time you turn the corner
You're right back where you were
And your only hope is that forgetting
Might make a door appear

[Verse 3]
Is it your fear of being buried
That makes you so afraid to speak?
An avalanche of opinions
Like the one that fell that I'm now underneath
It was my voice that moved the first rock
I'd do it all again
So I mean, it's cool if you keep quiet
But I like singin'
[Refrain]
So I'll be holdin' my note
Stompin' and strummin' and feelin' so very lucky
And there is nothing I know except this lifetime's one moment
And wishing it'd just leave me empty

[Verse 4]
So you can try to live in darkness
But you will never shake the light
It will greet you every morning
Make you more aware with its absence at night
When you're wrapped up in your blanket, baby
That comfortable cocoon
But I've seen the day of your awakening, girl
It's coming soon

[Verse 5]
So go ahead and lose yourself in liquor
You can praise the clouded mind
But it isn't what you're thinking, no
It's the course of history, your position in line
It's just a piece of the puzzle
I think you'd better find your place
And don't go blamin' your knowledge
On some fruit you ate
[Verse 6]
'Cause there's been a great deal of discussion
About the properties of man
Animal or angel
You were carved from bone but your heart is just sand
The wind is gonna scatter it
Cover everything with love
Hah!
So if it makes you happy you keep kneelin', mama
But I'm standin' up

[Verse 7]
Because this veil it has been lifted
My eyes are wet with clarity
I've been a witness to your wonders
I searched for them all across this country
I think I'll be returnin' now
To that little town where I was born
I understand you must keep movin', friend
But I'm headed home

[Refrain]
And I'm gonna follow the road
Let the scenery sweeping by easily enter my body
I'll send y'all this message in code, underground over mountains
Through forests and deserts and cities
Hah!
[Outro]
All across electric wire, it's a baited line
The hook's in deep, boys, there's no more time
You can struggle in the water
Be too stubborn to die
Or you can just let go
And get lifted to the sky