Version
Incubus Lyrics


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We could live in a house outside of town,
We could build our own version of society,
Well, there'd be no one to answer to
And complicate our lives,
We could be
The epitome of self sufficient.

Time to pay! To pay!
Time to pay; you've got to pay me!
Why should I?
Why should we pay for your mistake?
To carry on.

Why should we carry on your false integrity?
When you've shown us that you
Can't even keep your nest clean.

So far we've put finacial gain
Ahead of human needs,
Quality of our lives should be prioritized.

Time to pay! To pay!
Time to pay; you've got to pay me!
Why should I?
Why should we pay for your mistake?
To carry on.
Modify your version so we can carry on.
To carry on.

To be conclusive,
I'd like to say,
You've done a super-fine job with your display.
I see now that you cannot comprehend
What it means to respect your life and then some!

To be rich, that would be great.
No, but it doesn't mean POO-POO without your nest!
So why should I pay for your mistake, man?
Why should I?

Why should we pay for your mistake?
To carry on.




Modify your version so we can carry on.
To carry on.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Incubus's "Version" speak to the idea of creating a new society, outside of the confines of traditional norms and societal pressures. The first verse sets the stage for this utopian dream, where the singer suggests that they could build their own house and be completely self-sufficient. The lines, "there'd be no one to answer to, and complicate our lives" suggest that they're tired of the complexities that come with living in a society that demands so much of us. The chorus, "time to pay, to pay, time to pay; you've got to pay me" seems to be directed at those who have made mistakes in the past and are now being held accountable for them. The singer questions why they should have to pay for the mistakes of others, and why society prioritizes financial gain over the quality of life.


The second verse takes a more critical tone, challenging those who have been in charge to do better. The lines, "why should we carry on your false integrity, when you've shown us that you can't even keep your nest clean" are a scathing critique of those in power who preach one thing but do another. The pre-chorus, "we've put financial gain ahead of human needs, quality of our lives should be prioritized" suggests that the true goal of society should be the well-being of its citizens, rather than the accumulation of wealth. The song ends with a call to action, a plea to "modify your version so we can carry on," suggesting that change is necessary if we are to create a better world.


Line by Line Meaning

We could live in a house outside of town,
We have the potential to lead a secluded life, away from the town's hustle and bustle.


We could build our own version of society,
We have the power to create our miniature world in a way we want.


Well, there'd be no one to answer to
Living independently means no one could question or dictate us.


And complicate our lives,
Not having to deal with people means we could keep our life simple.


We could be
We could have the potential to become.


The epitome of self sufficient.
We could be the perfect example of being self-sufficient.


Time to pay! To pay!
It's an indication towards someone that they need to payback now.


Time to pay; you've got to pay me!
Being direct towards someone to make them aware that they owe money and they have to pay.


Why should I?
Asking the reason for the mentioned action.


Why should we pay for your mistake?
Questioning the responsibility for someone else's mistake.


To carry on.
To continue with the present situation.


Why should we carry on your false integrity?
A rhetorical question indicating why should they follow the false and shallow values.


When you've shown us that you can't even keep your nest clean.
Questioning the authority's capability to maintain the basic hygiene and cleanliness factors.


So far we've put financial gain ahead of human needs,
As a society, we have always prioritized money more than basic necessities of human life.


Quality of our lives should be prioritized.
Pleading for a better quality of life to be prioritized over wealth.


Modify your version so we can carry on.
Asking someone to change their ways so that others can move ahead with their life.


To be conclusive,
To come to a conclusion.


I'd like to say,
I would like to express.


You've done a super-fine job with your display.
Sarcastic remark referred to someone doing something insignificant and expecting appreciation.


I see now that you cannot comprehend
Stating that the person is incapable of understanding a particular thing.


What it means to respect your life and then some!
The importance of respecting your own life and others as well.


To be rich, that would be great.
Having wealth would be an excellent thing.


No, but it doesn't mean POO-POO without your nest!
Insinuating that wealth means nothing without a healthy and thriving community.


So why should I pay for your mistake, man?
Asking the question of why they should be held responsible for someone else's mistake.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALEX KATUNICH, BRANDON BOYD, BRANDON CHARLES BOYD, GAVIN KOPPEL, JOSE PASILLAS II, JOSE ANTHONY II PASILLAS, MICHAEL EINZIGER, MICHAEL AARON EINZIGER

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