Inner Light Spectrum
311 Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I shadow box inside my skull
bothered by the senselessness
I wish for the messiah Indian woman, Babylon

There is one thing I will say on life we are livin, yeah
let it flow, 'cause it won't stop
and when the kind consciousness, yes, come unto you
you will know and it won't stop
when I wipe the sleep from my eyes
will my fondest dream please come true
crush my heart with a hammer make a purer one, Babylon

There is one thing I will say on life we are livin, yeah
let it flow, 'cause it won't stop
and when the kind consciousness, yes, come unto you
you will know and it won't stop

But mean people I say choke on it gagging all the way
may you remember the texture for days
but you'll get used to the feeling of your pride
of your pride, of your pride
chugalug it, chugalug it, time after time
time after time, time after time




learning your lesson, learning your lesson will do you fine
do you fine, do you fine

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of 311's song Inner Light Spectrum are a poetic expression of the struggle for inner peace amidst chaos and confusion. The singer is depicted boxing in their own thoughts, grappling with a sense of pointlessness and despair. However, they yearn for a transformative presence to guide them through their trials, be it in the form of a "messiah Indian woman" or the personification of a place like "Babylon." The lyrics suggest a desire for spiritual enlightenment or an external force to provide comfort and direction.


The chorus of the song circles back to the theme of life's unpredictability and the need to embrace the flow of existence. The use of the phrase "let it flow" reinforces the idea that life, like water, is constantly moving and changing, and that we can't control how it unfolds. The idea that "it won't stop" implies that challenges will continue to arise, but that we can learn to cope with them and find meaning in our struggles. The repeated line "when the kind consciousness, yes, come unto you" suggests that there is hope for a positive shift in perspective if one remains open to it.


The final verses of the song take a more confrontational tone, as the singer expresses disdain for "mean people" and wishes them ill. However, they also acknowledge that holding onto negative emotions can become a burden, and that "learning your lesson" is ultimately the best way to move forward. The repeated use of the phrase "time after time" reinforces the idea that growth and progress come through repeated effort, and that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges.


Line by Line Meaning

When I shadow box inside my skull
As I mentally fight with myself, trying to make sense of the world around me


bothered by the senselessness
Distressed by the meaningless nature of things


I wish for the messiah Indian woman, Babylon
In search of spiritual guidance and enlightenment from a higher power, represented by the iconic figure of an Indian woman from Babylon


There is one thing I will say on life we are livin, yeah
There is one truth I have come to know about the life we lead


let it flow, 'cause it won't stop
Just let things flow and take its natural course because it never stops


and when the kind consciousness, yes, come unto you
And when you receive a higher state of awareness and kindness


you will know and it won't stop
You will understand and appreciate it, and it will continue to be with you


when I wipe the sleep from my eyes
When I finally wake up and see things for what they really are


will my fondest dream please come true
Is it possible for my deepest desire to be fulfilled?


crush my heart with a hammer make a purer one, Babylon
Metaphorically break my heart and rebuild it to be stronger and more pure, with the help of Babylon


But mean people I say choke on it gagging all the way
I have no sympathy for cruel people and hope they face the consequences of their actions


may you remember the texture for days
May the experience of their actions stay with them and haunt them


but you'll get used to the feeling of your pride
Eventually, they will become accustomed to the feeling of self-importance and arrogance


of your pride, of your pride, of your pride
Repeated reminder of the damaging effects of excessive pride


chugalug it, chugalug it, time after time
Repetitive behavior and consequences


time after time, time after time
Continuation of recurring patterns in life


learning your lesson, learning your lesson will do you fine
Learning from one's mistakes and growing from them will lead to better outcomes


do you fine, do you fine
Reaffirmation of the benefits of a reflective and growth-oriented attitude




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD SEXTON, DOUGLAS MARTINEZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions