From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (dulcimer, tenor guitar, electric sitar, vocals, bass, Hammond B3 organ); Gibb Droll (guitar); J.V. Collier (bass); Chad Wright (drums); John Mailander (violin); Rob Moose (ensemble arrangement yMusic)
Is This It meaning
The line “this fragile edifice you’ve built just came crashing down” extends this metaphor of fragility. The use of “edifice” suggests not just physical buildings but also the emotional or psychological defences we create, which can be obliterated without warning. The imagery of the flood—“the waters rose up over the flood wall”—speaks to natural disasters, symbolising events that overpower even our best efforts to protect ourselves.
Existential ennui
The storyteller repeatedly refers to “existential ennui”, a term that reflects a deep sense of boredom or dissatisfaction with life, often stemming from a feeling of meaninglessness. The song presents existential ennui as a state of mind the protagonist can no longer indulge in because life has grown too precarious and unpredictable. The phrase “the joke’s on me, no more existential ennui” suggests that the character’s previous detachment or complacency has been replaced by the urgent need to face life’s uncertainties head-on.
In philosophical terms, “ennui” can be associated with existentialism, a movement concerned with individual freedom, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life. Bruce plays with this concept, suggesting that while the character may have previously indulged in such abstract existential questions, the events unfolding around them have made them realise the real and often harsh consequences of life.
Cosmic forces and fate
Throughout the song, the protagonist questions whether the disasters they face are part of a “grand design”, hinting at larger cosmic or divine forces at play. This uncertainty is mirrored in the randomness of the events described—whether being served with legal papers or encountering a chemical spill. The unpredictability of life makes the protagonist wonder whether these incidents are part of a predetermined fate or simply random occurrences.
The song hints at a cosmic joke, as seen in the repeated refrain “the joke’s on me”. This conveys a sense of powerlessness and bewilderment in the face of life’s challenges. The character’s realisation that they are at the mercy of fate—or at least forces far beyond their control—is central to the song’s meaning. It plays on the existential theme of questioning whether life has any inherent meaning or whether everything is subject to chance.
Suburban smugness and sudden disaster
A key moment in the song occurs when the protagonist is “feeling so smug and blessed in our mansion on the hill.” This setting, with its reference to wealth and suburban security, represents the idea of having achieved the pinnacle of success or happiness. Yet, this is quickly shattered by the realisation of a “large chemical spill,” a metaphor for how life can intrude on our best-laid plans. The mention of turning green, likely from the effects of the spill, suggests that even the most privileged are not immune to the whims of fate.
This vignette is also a critique of materialism and the false sense of security that wealth can bring. The character, dining in a tuxedo in their mansion, feels safe and content, but this sense of control is quickly revealed to be illusory. The song suggests that no amount of material success can protect against life’s inherent unpredictability.
Summary
“Is This It” by Bruce Hornsby is a reflection on the fragility of life and the illusion of control. Through a series of unsettling events, the song confronts themes of fate, existentialism, and the randomness of disaster. The recurring question, “Is this it?” captures the protagonist’s growing realisation that life is unpredictable, and that despite attempts to build security, unexpected forces—whether cosmic or natural—can undo everything. The reference to “existential ennui” adds a layer of philosophical questioning, as the character grapples with the meaning of these events and whether they are part of a larger design. The song ultimately suggests that life is a cosmic joke, and that no one is immune from its twists and turns.