Tomorrow Never Knows
Jimi Hendrix (feat. Jim Morrison Buddy Miles & Johnny Winter) Lyrics
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It is not dying, it is not dying
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void,
It is shining, it is shining.
Yet you may see the meaning of within
It is being, it is being
Love is all and love is everyone
It is knowing, it is knowing
And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
It is believing, it is believing
But listen to the colour of your dreams
It is not leaving, it is not leaving
So play the game "Existence" to the end
Of the beginning, of the beginning
The lyrics to Jimi Hendrix's song Tommorow Never Knows explore the idea of surrendering oneself to the void and finding peace in the unknown. The line "Turn off your mind relax and float down stream" suggests a letting go of thoughts and attachments, allowing oneself to be carried along by the flow of life. The repetition of "It is not dying" reinforces the idea that surrendering to the unknown is not a death, but rather a release from the confines of the ego and the material world.
The following verse urges the listener to lay down all thoughts and surrender to the shining void. The idea that one can see the meaning of within, and that love is all and everyone, suggests a deep connection to the universe and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings. The final line "It is believing" suggests that this recognition of connectedness is a belief system, but one that is not necessarily based on religion or dogma.
The chorus, "But listen to the colour of your dreams, it is not leaving" adds to the overall dreamlike quality of the song, suggesting that the dream world is just as real as the waking world. The final line, "So play the game 'Existence' to the end, of the beginning" combines the ideas of surrender and acceptance with the notion that existence is a game to be played until its natural end.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn off your mind relax and float down stream
Relinquish the control of your thoughts and drift freely with the flow of life
It is not dying, it is not dying
Death is not end but a mere transformation to a new form of existence
Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void
Let go of your mental constructs and embrace the infinite emptiness of the universe
It is shining, it is shining.
The void is not a dark abyss but a radiant source of pure consciousness
Yet you may see the meaning of within
By exploring your inner self, you can perceive the true essence of life
It is being, it is being
Life is not a destination but a perpetual state of becoming
Love is all and love is everyone
Love is the universal force that transcends all boundaries and unites all existence
It is knowing, it is knowing
Love is not a sentiment but a profound understanding of the interconnectivity of all things
And ignorance and hate mourn the dead
The absence of love leads to feelings of sorrow and despair, even in the face of death
It is believing, it is believing
Believing in the power of love and connection to overcome all obstacles
But listen to the colour of your dreams
Pay attention to the vibrant and symbolic imagery of your subconscious mind
It is not leaving, it is not leaving
The messages of your dreams are not ephemeral, but a permanent part of your psyche
So play the game "Existence" to the end
Life is a game with no predetermined outcome, but the journey is worth experiencing until the very end
Of the beginning, of the beginning
Every end is also a new beginning, an eternal cycle of creation and transformation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind