Note To Self
James Michael Lyrics


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Slow down
You really ought to taste this life
The one you nearly wasted on you
Today

Well, what would you say?
My thoughts don't cost that much
So how much would you save
By walking away?

I know that you've been blessed
But, you look like you've been laid to rest
What if your next wish takes your last breath away?

Well, what would you say?
My thoughts don't cost that much
So how much would you save
By walking away?
It won't take much if I set you up
I'll set you up
And you won't save that much
By walking away

Slow down




You really ought to taste this life
The one you nearly wasted on you

Overall Meaning

The song "Note to Self" by James Michael is a reflective piece that urges the singer to slow down and take a moment to appreciate life. It advocates living in the present and not wasting precious time on trivial matters or personal problems. The opening lines "Slow down, you really ought to taste this life, the one you nearly wasted on you today," set the tone for the song's message. The word "today" is emphasized, as if to suggest that this moment is all we have, and we should make the most of it. The song also touches upon the idea of regret and how we often fail to appreciate what we have until it's gone. The line "What if your next wish takes your last breath away?" is a powerful reminder that life can be unpredictable and fleeting.


The chorus of the song brings in the idea of savings. The singer asks, "My thoughts don't cost that much, so how much would you save by walking away?" This can be interpreted in various ways- one way being, how much time would you save by not dwelling on negative thoughts and focusing on the present instead? The idea of savings is further emphasized when the singer offers to "set you up", suggesting that he can provide a shortcut to happiness but ultimately concludes that "it won't take much" and advises the person to slow down instead.


Overall, "Note to Self" is a beautifully written song that encourages listeners to live in the moment and appreciate the little things in life. It reminds us that we don't have all the time in the world and that we should cherish the time we have.


Line by Line Meaning

Slow down
Take a moment to appreciate life and all it has to offer.


You really ought to taste this life
Explore and enjoy the opportunities and experiences life provides.


The one you nearly wasted on you
In the past, you may have missed out on opportunities due to your own choices or actions.


Today
However, you have an opportunity to make the most of each day moving forward.


Well, what would you say?
What do you have to say about your current situation and your willingness to change?


My thoughts don't cost that much
There is no value in simply having thoughts and ideas, action is necessary to see progress.


So how much would you save
If you were to abandon your current path or routine, what benefits would it truly provide?


By walking away?
Is walking away really the solution to your problems, or do you need to take a different approach?


I know that you've been blessed
You have been fortunate in some ways and should appreciate those blessings.


But, you look like you've been laid to rest
Despite your blessings, you may currently feel unfulfilled or stagnant.


What if your next wish takes your last breath away?
You never know what could happen in life, so make your wishes count and strive to live life to the fullest.


It won't take much if I set you up
There may be small changes that could greatly benefit you and your current situation.


I'll set you up
I am willing to help and support you in making those changes.


And you won't save that much
The cost of not making changes could be greater than the effort required to implement them.


By walking away
Simply avoiding problems or challenges will not lead to personal growth or success.


Slow down
Once again, take a moment to appreciate life and all it has to offer.


You really ought to taste this life
Live life to the fullest and make the most of every opportunity.


The one you nearly wasted on you
Don't let your past mistakes or missed opportunities hold you back from a fulfilling life.




Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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