What's pleasing to the eye
In the delusion of my sight
Is not what I find when I reach into the light
I have lost my mind
I'm walking through time
Deluded as the next guy
Pretending and hoping to find
That distant peace of mind

I don't know
Who does know?
There is no
Where to go

It's not so simple as I try to wish
But then again what is?
There is no other worthy quest
So on I go

I don't know
Who does know
There is no
Where to go
I don't know
Who does know
Where to go
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know
I don't know

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Beastie Boys' song "I Don't Know" speak to the confusion and uncertainty that can come with trying to find inner peace and clarity. The singer is struggling with his own perceptions of reality, recognizing that what he sees and thinks may not be the truth. He feels as though he has "lost [his] mind" and is walking through time deluded like everyone else. Despite this, he still feels the need to continue searching for inner peace, even though he acknowledges that it is not a simple task.

The repeated refrain of "I don't know" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's uncertainty and confusion. He doesn't know who knows the answers, and he doesn't know where to go to find them. It's a sentiment that will likely resonate with many listeners who have experienced a similar sense of existential confusion.

The song's lyrics may be somewhat vague and open to interpretation, but they highlight an important aspect of the human experience - the search for meaning and understanding. While the singer acknowledges the challenges of this quest, he also recognizes that it is a worthy pursuit and one that he must continue regardless of the obstacles.

Line by Line Meaning

What's pleasing to the eye
Things that appear attractive upon first glance

In the delusion of my sight
However, my sight may be deceitful

Is not what I find when I reach into the light
My perception of reality is different from reality itself

I have lost my mind
I am confused and uncertain

I'm walking through time
I am progressing chronologically

Deluded as the next guy
I am susceptible to deception like anyone else

Pretending and hoping to find
I try to feign confidence and optimism

That distant peace of mind
In search of a sense of tranquility and security that seems unattainable

I don't know
I am not certain

Who does know?
Perhaps there is no one who knows for sure

There is no
There is a lack of

Where to go
A clear direction or destination is not evident

It's not so simple as I try to wish
The reality is not as easy as I hope it to be

But then again what is?
What is the true nature of reality, after all?

There is no other worthy quest
Perhaps this existential pondering is the only goal worth pursuing

So on I go
Thus, I will continue my search and journey

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Adam Horovitz, Adam Nathaniel Yauch, Michael Louis Diamond

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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