Notion
The Rare Occasions Lyrics
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but I don't need the comfort of any lies
For I have seen the ending and there is no ascending,
Rise
Oh back when I was younger, was told by other youngsters
That my end will be torture beneath the earth
‘Cuz I don't see what they see, when death is staring at me
I see a window, a limit, to live it, or not at all
If you could pull the lever to carry on forever
would your life even matter anymore?
Sure it's a calming notion, perpetual in motion
but it's not what you signed up for
I'm sure there won't always be sunshine
but there's this momentary beam of light
You don't have to wait those salty decades
to get through the gate it's all in front of your face
I'm sure there won't always be sunshine
I'm sure there won't always be sunshine
but there's this momentary beam of light
I could cross the ocean in a fit of devotion
for every shining second this fragile body beckons
You think you're owed it better believing ancient letters
Sure it's a calming notion but it's a lie
The Rare Occasions' song "Notion" is a thoughtful exploration of mortality and the human experience. The opening lines introduce the idea of a calming notion that is perpetual in motion, but the singer rejects it. They don't want the comfort of lies because they have seen the true ending - there is no ascending, only a final rise. In the second verse, the singer recalls being told by others that their end will be torture, but they don't see it that way. Instead, they see death as a window, a limit to live life to the fullest.
The chorus asks a poignant question - if you could live forever, would it even matter? The perpetual motion of life is tempting, but it's not what we signed up for. The final verse is one of the most uplifting, with the singer recognizing that life won't always be sunny, but there are still fleeting beams of light that make it all worthwhile. They would cross an ocean for just one shining second because life is precious and fragile. The song ends with a firm rejection of ancient beliefs that promise a better afterlife - it's a calming notion, but sadly, it's a lie.
Overall, "Notion" by The Rare Occasions is a powerful meditation on the human experience and our shared mortality. The lyrics are rich with meaning and offer a unique perspective on life and death.
Line by Line Meaning
Sure it's a calming notion, perpetual in motion
The idea of life being infinite is comforting despite it being constantly changing
but I don't need the comfort of any lies
Despite the comfort, the truth is necessary for growth
For I have seen the ending and there is no ascending, Rise
The end is final and there is no afterlife to look forward to, so make the most of life
Oh back when I was younger, was told by other youngsters
When I was young, others told me what they believed death was and what would happen after it
That my end will be torture beneath the earth
They believed that after death, I would suffer in hell
‘Cuz I don't see what they see, when death is staring at me
I don't fear death like they do and instead see it as a natural and inevitable end
I see a window, a limit, to live it, or not at all
I view life as a limited opportunity to make the most out of it
If you could pull the lever to carry on forever
If given the chance for an eternal life, will it truly matter and be fulfilling?
would your life even matter anymore?
Without an end in sight, life may become meaningless
but it's not what you signed up for
Living forever may seem appealing, but it isn't the same as living a fulfilling life
I'm sure there won't always be sunshine
Life isn't always easy and there will be tough times
but there's this momentary beam of light
Despite hardships, there are brief moments of happiness and hope
You don't have to wait those salty decades
You don't have to wait until you're old and gray to find happiness and fulfillment
to get through the gate it's all in front of your face
The key to a fulfilling life is right in front of you, waiting to be taken
I could cross the ocean in a fit of devotion
I am willing to do what it takes to make the most of my limited time on Earth
for every shining second this fragile body beckons
Every moment is precious and worth living to the fullest
You think you're owed it better believing ancient letters
Believing in an afterlife or divine reward is not a guarantee and may prevent making the most out of life
Sure it's a calming notion but it's a lie
While the idea of eternal reward or afterlife may be comforting, it is false and can prevent true fulfillment in life
Contributed by Thomas O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Angela
What is the meaning of this song like what's it about
v
This songs probably about the belief of a higher being like god. I also believe it’s slightly directing to nihilism, It seems like positive nihilism too.
@argumentativetype3218
My family is pre-desposed to dementia. So unfortunately it's something I'll probably have to deal with one day. Most people who suffer from memory loss remember their favorite music for the longest time of any type of memory. All this goes to say this may very well be the last thing I remember if one day everything else fades. And I'm okay with that. Beautiful song
Edit: I came back to this comment after hearing this song again and I was surprised at all of the support. Thank you guys. I saw a few questions in the replies that I thought I should give an answer to...
1: do I think there will be a cure in my lifetime? I hope so
2: how can you slow the process of memory loss? Eat well and exercise are the best options
There's always the chance that I and anyone else who's at risk for memory loss don't get effected by it as they age but it's always a gamble. To anyone else in my situation. Stay strong. Science is working on it. Hopefully one day we won't have to worry about it anymore!
@Therareoccasions
Hey! Thanks for sharing!
@ice-zm2vd
hello there
@rafaham2022
This music is a piece of art!
@zeitherin
O my god, bro y’all song is so fire i swear. It’s been one of my favorite songs for a while now
@henryallen6953
Oh snap it’s them
@rhynex
bro this song is masterpiece
@Dkshddh
OMG THIS SONG IS FINALLY GETTING THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVES
@Mohg_lester445
You just found out about it today