Life for Rent

Dido

About Life for Rent

"Life for Rent" is the second single released from Dido's second album, Life for Rent. The single was released on 1 December 2003, and was a relative success in the UK, peaking at #8 on the UK Singles Chart. The single also found success in Europe and America. The song was used in American television series Smallville and Nikita. The music video, directed by Sophie Muller, shows Dido in several rooms in a house.


Year:
2003
3:41
2,056 
#26

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I haven't ever really found a place that I call home
I never stick around quite long enough to make it
I apologize that once again I'm not in love
But it's not as if I mind that your heart ain't exactly breaking
It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine

I've always thought that I would love to live by the sea
To travel the world alone and live more simply
I have no idea what's happened to that dream
'cause there's really nothing left here to stop me
It's just a thought, only a thought

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine

While my heart is a shield and I won't let it down
While I am so afraid to fail so I won't even try
Well how can I say I'm alive

But if my life is for rent and I don't learn to buy
Well I deserve nothing more than I get
'cause nothing I have is truly mine

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Dido

Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong ( /ˈdaɪdoʊ/; born 25 December 1971), known as Dido, is an English singer-songwriter. more »

4 fans

Written by: DIDO ARMSTRONG, ROLLO ARMSTRONG

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Life for Rent" was written by Dido and her brother Rollo Armstrong, who is part of the British electronic music trio, Faithless.
Album Record
The song is the title track from Dido's second studio album, "Life for Rent," released in September 2003.
Chart Performance
"Life for Rent" did not perform as well as other singles like "White Flag" and "Sand in My Shoes" on international music charts. Nonetheless, it still made it into the Top 10 in the UK Singles Chart.
Music Video
The song's music video, directed by Sophie Muller, features Dido wandering around a cityscape while reflecting on her life.
Lyric Interpretation
"Life for Rent" lyrics reflect on the concept of not fully owning your life and living according to someone else's rules. It has a philosophical undertone and speaks to the experience of feeling lost, unsettled, and uncertain about the direction of one's life.
Album Sales
Despite the single's fairly modest success, the album "Life for Rent" was a huge hit. It was the fastest-selling album by a female artist in the UK at the time of its release.
Awards and Nominations
"Life for Rent" album earned Dido several awards and nominations. It was nominated for Best British Album at the Brit Awards in 2004, and Dido won the award for Best British Female Solo Artist.
Featured in Media
"Life for Rent" has been used in several TV shows, including the popular British soap opera "EastEnders."
Live Performances
Dido often performs "Life for Rent" at her concerts, where it is a crowd favorite. She performs it with a full band, reflecting the song's folk and pop roots.
Song Reception
Despite its allegory-filled lyrics, "Life for Rent" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Dido's unique blend of pop and folk music. Some have also commended the song's relatability and emotional depth.

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