Take It as It Comes by The Doors Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Timeless Philosophy of Carpe Diem
Lyrics
Time to lie
Time to laugh
Time to die
Take it easy, baby
Take it as it comes
Don’t move too fast
And you want your love to last
Ah, you’ve been moving much too fast
Time to walk
Time to run
Time to aim your arrows
At the sun
Take it easy, baby
Take it as it comes
Don’t move too fast
And you want your love to last
Ah, you’ve been moving much too fast
Go real slow
You like it more and more
Take it as it comes
Specialize in having fun
Take it easy, baby
Take it as it comes
Don’t move too fast
And you want your love to last
Ah, you’ve been moving much too fast
Moving much too fast
Moving much too fast
The age-old adage ‘Carpe Diem’ – seize the day – finds a psychedelic twist in the hands of The Doors with their track ‘Take It as It Comes.’ Released in the turbulent era of the 1960s, this song is a sonic tapestry weaving together the notions of time, love, and the essence of living in the moment. As we dissect the lyrics, we’ll find that it’s more than just a rock ‘n’ roll serenade; it’s a manifesto for life’s tempo.
Underneath the hypnotic keys of Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison’s haunting baritone lies a deeper meaning that reflects the sensibilities of a generation on the brink of cultural revolution. It’s a track that urges us to slow down, to savor, and to take love and life not as a race, but as a journey to be cherished. Let’s dive into the enigmatic waters of ‘Take It as It Comes’ and discover what makes this song a perennial source of wisdom.
Unlocking the Zen of Rock: The Doors’ Guide to Mindfulness
At first glance, ‘Take It as It Comes’ could be perceived as a simple love song, but a closer look at its lyrics reveals a meditation on mindfulness. ‘Time to live, time to lie, time to laugh, time to die’ – these opening lines capture life’s cycle, a universal rhythm that The Doors invite their listeners to accept. It challenges us to break free from our self-imposed urgency and to embrace each moment with equanimity.
Through Morrison’s vocals, the song implores the listener to ‘Take it easy, baby.’ The phrase isn’t merely a call to romantic partners but a universal whisper to anyone caught in the currents of modernity’s hustle. The repetition reinforces this mantra, turning the track into a hymn for those seeking a pause amidst the chaos.
Decoding the Mantra: A Fusion of Love and Time
The intertwining of love with time in the song’s chorus ‘Don’t move too fast, and you want your love to last’ offers a resonant piece of wisdom. The Doors seem to suggest that love, like any fine wine, cannot be rushed. It develops, evolves, and matures at its own pace. It’s a message that resonates deeply in our instant-gratification society, imploring listeners to let relationships blossom naturally.
Moreover, the phrase ‘Ah, you’ve been moving much too fast’ serves as both a gentle rebuke and wise counsel. It is a recognition of our propensity to rush through life’s experiences, including love, without truly savoring them. These memorable lines encapsulate a truth many of us overlook: The journey is just as important, if not more so, than the destination.
The Doors’ Serenade to the Sun: An Allegory for Aspiration
‘Time to walk, time to run, time to aim your arrows at the sun.’ Through this poetic encouragement to set one’s sights high, The Doors immortalize the aspirational spirit. Yet, they caution us on how we chase our dreams. The metaphor of aiming arrows at the sun encapsulates ambition while also symbolizing Icarian folly if we’re not mindful of how we pursue our goals.
In this context, ‘Take it as it comes’ may well be an appeal to accept both success and failure, joy and sorrow, with open arms. It’s about taking risks but doing so thoughtfully and deliberately, without losing oneself in the effort of reaching ideals that, like the sun, might always remain just out of human grasp.
Memorable Lines that Echo Through Generations
‘Go real slow, you like it more and more – Take it as it comes, specialize in having fun.’ This line is a distillation of The Doors’ life philosophy. Not only does it accentuate the central theme of the song, but it also captures the ethos of a culture increasingly preoccupied with amassing immediate pleasure. It’s a countercultural assertion that true enjoyment comes from depth, not speed.
These lyrics exhort the listener to become an artisan of joy, to cultivate happiness through the careful and mindful appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a counterpoint to the quick fixes and fleeting satisfactions that often distract us, and it doubles as a blueprint for a fulfilling existence.
The Hidden Meaning in the Melody: The Doors as Musical Philosophers
‘Take It as It Comes’ is not just about the lyrics; the very melody and arrangement speak volumes. The minimalist but impactful musical composition reflects the message of simplicity and contentment. The Doors play philosophers as much as they do musicians, crafting a song that isn’t just heard, but felt and pondered over.
The soothing organ invites introspection, while Morrison’s voice – itself an instrument – carries the weight of existential revelation. By masterfully marrying the lyrics to the music, The Doors transcend the medium to create an experience that is as contemplative as it is enjoyable, prompting listeners to explore the layers beneath the surface of their catchy tunes.
