Pillow Your Eyes
Incubus Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Viewed the scene on a black and white T.V.
Chose your words "hey mom I want to be..."
So, study hard. Your work became your cell.
Don't you dare inhale, or you'll be damned to hell! No!
Yes, back and in your prime and things are in a swirl.
Solaced with your choice, out pops a baby girl!
Family now complete, and power's in your hands.
You've won the greatest prize, it's time to take a stand.
Sphincter freed last on your common throne.
You think the kill weeds chompin' at your noodles flow.
There's somethin about the herb, so fast, hypnotize.
A ripened head change that'll pillow your eyes.
Will you be the superman inflicting drastic change?
The power of your name has spanded out a boundless range.
Will you meet the needs of a fast paced, awkward, life-span I call "we"?
Our trust is now within you.
So by soul cries let it be.




Pillow your eyes!
Yes, I, praise Jah!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Incubus's "Pillow Your Eyes" tell the story of a young person who chose to study hard and obey their parents' wishes to become successful. However, this success comes at a cost- the singer is only able to succeed by caging themselves in their work and not allowing themselves to experience life. They are warned against the pleasures of the world, such as drugs, and only focus on their career. The song takes a turn when the singer has a child and feels that they have "won the greatest prize" and are now in "power's hands." However, at the end of the song, the singer is encouraged to let go and "pillow their eyes" - to relax and enjoy the pleasures of life.


The song is a commentary on the pressures of society to constantly strive for success and how this can lead to a life without true fulfilment or happiness. The verses describe the sacrifices made in order to succeed, while the chorus urges the listener to take a step back from this lifestyle and enjoy the little things in life.


Overall, "Pillow Your Eyes" is a call for balance, encouraging the listener to not lose themselves in the pursuit of success and to find joy in the present moment.


Line by Line Meaning

Viewed the scene on a black and white T.V.
You experienced the world through an old-fashioned medium that limited your view.


Chose your words 'hey mom I want to be...'
As a child, you expressed your aspirations to your mother, hoping to receive encouragement and support.


So, study hard. Your work became your cell.
You followed the traditional path of working hard to achieve success, but it ultimately became constraining and limiting.


Don't you dare inhale, or you'll be damned to hell! No!
You felt societal pressure to abstain from drugs, even though you were curious about their effects.


Yes, back and in your prime and things are in a swirl.
Now that you're older and more successful, life is more complicated and chaotic than ever before.


Solaced with your choice, out pops a baby girl!
You found comfort in the decision to have a child, and a daughter was born.


Family now complete, and power's in your hands.
You feel a sense of accomplishment and control now that you have a complete family and successful career.


You've won the greatest prize, it's time to take a stand.
Your family and personal achievements are valuable, and you're ready to use your power to make a difference.


Sphincter freed last on your common throne.
You feel relaxed and comfortable, finally letting your guard down.


You think the kill weeds chompin' at your noodles flow.
You worry about negative influences and distractions affecting your thoughts and actions.


There's somethin about the herb, so fast, hypnotize.
You find the effects of cannabis appealing, and it quickly takes hold of your mind and body.


A ripened head change that'll pillow your eyes.
The high from cannabis is intense and soothing, resulting in a state of relaxation and disconnection from reality.


Will you be the superman inflicting drastic change?
You wonder if you have the power and ambition to make significant changes in society.


The power of your name has spanded out a boundless range.
Your reputation and influence have spread widely, reaching far beyond what you ever imagined.


Will you meet the needs of a fast paced, awkward, life-span I call 'we'?
You question whether you can keep up with the demands of modern life while balancing the needs of others.


Our trust is now within you. So by soul cries let it be.
Others rely on you and place their trust in you, and you feel the weight of their expectations.


Pillow your eyes! Yes, I, praise Jah!
You seek refuge and comfort in the calming effects of cannabis, and you express gratitude for life's blessings.




Contributed by Zoe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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

More Versions