This Is Not a Test
She & Him Lyrics
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Settle down- it's never what you think.
The summit doesn't differ from the deep, dark valley,
And the valley doesn't differ from the kitchen sink.
For those of you who thought you'd be forgotten,
The friends you've made will try their best, to make it so.
Think of all the beauty that you left behind you.
You can take it if you want it, and then let it go.
And this is not a test,
No, this is not a test.
Taking numbers never made sense, anyways.
No, this is not a test,
No, this is not a test.
'Cause you can have it, if you want it, anyways.
For those of us who try to keep remembering,
Try to do our better than our best.
Think of all the children in the drifts of snow.
Winners never quit, but winters never rest.
The lyrics of She & Him's song "This Is Not a Test" speak to those who have tried and failed, or those who have been forgotten by others. The song suggests that success and failure are relative: the summit is no different from the valley, and neither is different from the everyday life of washing dishes. The idea that life is not a test, and that there is no need to take numbers or measure ourselves against others, is emphasised throughout the song. Instead, we are encouraged to appreciate the beauty that we have left behind, to take it with us wherever we go, and to let it go when we need to.
The song is also a celebration of resilience and perseverance. It acknowledges that life is tough, especially for those who are trying their best to overcome challenges and obstacles. The image of children in the snow suggests that the winter of life can be harsh and unforgiving, but winners never give up. They may rest, but they never quit.
Overall, "This Is Not a Test" is a poignant reminder that life is a journey, not a destination. It is not a test that we have to pass or fail; it is a series of experiences that we can choose to embrace or reject. The only thing that matters is what we make of it, and how we choose to live our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
For those of you who tried, but didn't make it,
If you're feeling disappointed after trying your best, know that it's okay.
Settle down- it's never what you think.
Don't get too upset or anxious; things are rarely as bad as they seem.
The summit doesn't differ from the deep, dark valley,
The highs and lows of life are not so different from each other.
And the valley doesn't differ from the kitchen sink.
Even the mundane aspects of life can hold important lessons and experiences.
For those of you who thought you'd be forgotten,
If you're worried about being left behind or forgotten, remember that your friendships can help ensure that doesn't happen.
The friends you've made will try their best, to make it so.
Your friends will support and include you, so don't worry about being left behind.
Think of all the beauty that you left behind you.
Reflect on the good things you've experienced and accomplished, even if they're in the past.
You can take it if you want it, and then let it go.
You can learn from and appreciate the beauty of the past, but don't hold onto it too tightly.
And this is not a test,
This is not a drill, but real life.
Taking numbers never made sense, anyways.
Focusing on superficial markers of success doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
No, this is not a test,
This is not a practice run.
'Cause you can have it, if you want it, anyways.
You can achieve the things you want in life, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
For those of us who try to keep remembering,
For those of us who try to hold onto positive memories and experiences.
Try to do our better than our best.
We strive to be better than our previous best efforts.
Think of all the children in the drifts of snow.
Remember others who may be in need, especially in difficult situations.
Winners never quit, but winters never rest.
People who succeed don't give up, but even successful people face difficult times.
Contributed by Adeline N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.