Here and Now
Ernies Lyrics
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From down on the sidewalk
You struggle, grasp your night-shirt and turn
But the universe doesn't say what you want it to say
The universe says, just what it says, when it says what it says
But on the planet earth, spinning around its axis
Revolving around the sun, revolving around the center
Will it ever be you and me here and now?
Your consoling hands in a gesture
Well placed and throbbing
Throbbing with the buzz of electric lamplight
From down on the sidewalk
But the universe doesn't say what you want it to say
The universe says, just what it says, when it says what it says
The buzz of electric lamplight
From down on the sidewalk
You struggle, grasp your night-shirt and turn
But the universe doesn't say what you want it to say
The universe says, just what it says, when it says what it says
Quanta, mesons, hadrons, photons, neutrons, electrons and protons combining to form
Atoms and molecules and compounds and cells, tissues and organs in a system of a being
On the planet earth, spinning around its axis, revolving around the sun, revolving around
The center of the Milky Way galaxy in a super cluster of galaxies
Will it ever be you and me here and now?
The lyrics to Ernie's song "Here and Now" are contemplative and philosophical, exploring the idea of human existence in relation to the vastness of the universe. The opening lines describe the street noise and electric lamplight beneath the singer's window, creating a sense of intimate familiarity. However, this sense of comfort is undermined by the idea that the universe does not conform to our expectations or desires, and that it just exists as it is, indifferent to human life. The repetition of the phrase "The universe says, just what it says, when it says what it says" underscores this idea, emphasizing the inevitability and determinism of the universe's laws.
The second verse provides a scientific perspective, highlighting the complexity and intricacy of the universe's workings. The singer references different particles and atoms coming together to form cells and tissues, ultimately creating beings. This scientific perspective juxtaposed with the previous feeling of human isolation from the universe adds another layer to the song's meditation on the relationship between humanity and the cosmos. The repeated refrain throughout the song, "Will it ever be you and me here and now?" serves as a reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of our lives.
Overall, "Here and Now" is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and our place in the vast universe.
Line by Line Meaning
The buzz of electric lamplight
The humming sound of a nearby street light
From down on the sidewalk
Originating from the pavement
You struggle, grasp your night-shirt and turn
You tossing and turning in bed, trying to sleep
But the universe doesn't say what you want it to say
Despite your wishes, the universe acts on its own accord
The universe says, just what it says, when it says what it says
The universe operates according to its own laws, without regard to human desires
But on the planet earth, spinning around its axis
Despite this universal truth, the Earth continues to rotate regularly
Revolving around the sun, revolving around the center
Continuously orbiting its parent star and its galactic hub
Of the Milky Way galaxy in a super cluster of galaxies
Encompassed as part of a larger, interconnected network of celestial structures
Will it ever be you and me here and now?
Questioning whether fate will align to bring two individuals together in the current moment
Your consoling hands in a gesture
Your comforting hands offered in a sympathetic manner
Well placed and throbbing
Strategically and poignantly felt
Throbbing with the buzz of electric lamplight
The hum of the street light intensifying the emotion in the moment
Quanta, mesons, hadrons, photons, neutrons, electrons and protons combining to form
The fundamental building blocks of life assembling into complex structures
Atoms and molecules and compounds and cells, tissues and organs in a system of a being
The intricate and interconnected functions that make up a living organism
On the planet earth, spinning around its axis, revolving around the sun, revolving around
Highlighting the continuous spin, orbit, and motion of Earth
The center of the Milky Way galaxy in a super cluster of galaxies
Emphasizing the vastness of the galaxy and the universe it exists in
Will it ever be you and me here and now?
Repeating the question and pondering the likelihood of fate and chance bringing two people together in the present.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WILLIAM C. JR. HUMMEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind