Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah

Every day it's just the same sound hum'n
The old galactic common freeze
I bet you bet when your eyes were in the darkness
Before you had someone to be

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah

Everybody going (with it baby)
(Faster faster faster faster)
The universe (the universe)
(Faster faster faster faster)

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah

(Slow down...)
(Slow down...)

Overall Meaning

The song "Slow Down" by Art Feynman is a plea to listeners to take life at a slower pace and not to sacrifice one's own well-being in order to achieve success. The repetition of the refrain "Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah" emphasizes the importance of self-care and not letting the fast-paced and competitive nature of society push oneself to the brink of exhaustion. The first verse calls attention to the monotonous routine of everyday life, suggesting that people get stuck in a rut and forget to appreciate life's simplicities. The second verse alludes to existentialism, saying that people were in complete darkness before they had an identity and a place in the world.

In the chorus, Feynman contrasts the message of taking it easy with the world's expectation to keep pushing forward. He mentions "everybody going (with it baby)" and "the universe (faster faster faster faster)" as examples of people's desire to constantly move forward and not take a break.

Some possible interpretations of this song is that it emphasizes mental health and self-care over external achievements. It also speaks to the idea that time is fleeting and people should learn to slow down and experience each moment rather than constantly racing towards the future.

Line by Line Meaning

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Take a break, don't exhaust yourself trying to become something valuable

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Pause and reflect, don't push yourself too hard to attain success

Every day it's just the same sound hum'n
Life can feel monotonous and routine

The old galactic common freeze
History repeats itself and the universe has patterns

I bet you bet when your eyes were in the darkness
Before you knew who you were or what you wanted, you had hopes and dreams

Before you had someone to be
Before societal expectations and pressure to conform

Everybody going (with it baby)
Everyone is caught up in the fast-paced current of life

(Faster faster faster faster)
Speeding up and rushing through life

The universe (the universe)
The cosmos continues to expand and evolve at its own pace

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Reiterating the importance of self-care and avoiding burnout

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Encouraging the listener to prioritize their well-being and not sacrifice it for external success

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Take a step back and appreciate the present moment

Slow down, don't crush yourself to make a diamond, yeah
Don't let the pressure of society or others dictate your worth or speed

(Slow down...)
Repeating the refrain to emphasize its message

(Slow down...)
Reiterating the importance of slowing down and taking care of oneself

Contributed by Alexander O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.