Q and Not U was a Washington, D.C. post-hardcore band from 1998-2005, signe… Read Full Bio ↴Q and Not U was a Washington, D.C. post-hardcore band from 1998-2005, signed with Dischord Records. Their sound, with fractured guitar leads and disorganized and inventive percussion, was a direct tribute to DC post-hardcore forefathers like Fugazi and Rites of Spring, but added noticably more art-damaged and rhythmic elements to their chaotic and emotional music. Members John Davis, Harris Klahr, Christopher Richards, and Matt Borlik formed the band in 1998. After Borlik's departure following the release of their first album, the band went on to record two more critically lauded LPs as a three-piece, exploring aspects of post-hardcore, dance-punk, and other disparate musical styles. Q and Not U disbanded in September 2005 after completing their touring commitments and a short farewell stand in Washington, D.C.

Line In The Sand
Q and Not U Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

the first time.
the second time.
let's stop this clock from starting.
wrong, the time's spelled wrong.
why won't you ever start?
why won't you?
time ticking spell it right.
understand.

it's 1974, '73, '72.
cape tight fit on from here out.

"kiss and ride."
"twist and shout."

Overall Meaning

The song "Line In the Sand" by Q and Not U is an abstract and enigmatic song that requires a deep analysis of the lyrics to understand its meaning. The song starts with the repetition of the "first time" and "second time," which implies the cyclical nature of events that keep repeating itself. The line "let's stop this clock from starting" signifies a desire to prevent the repetition of past mistakes, while the line "wrong, the time's spelled wrong" suggests that there is a flaw in the concept of time itself.

The recurring question "why won't you ever start?" is an existential question about human motivation and drive. The line "time ticking spell it right" is a reminder to pay attention to the passing of time, suggesting that society often neglects its importance. The line "it's 1974, '73, '72" implies that even though the song was released in the 21st century, the lyrics' message remains relevant and transcends time. The line "cape tight fit on from here out" is a metaphorical line suggesting that we wear a protective cape to navigate through difficult circumstances ahead.

The lines "kiss and ride" and "twist and shout" are borrowed from 1960's pop culture, further highlighting the theme of timelessness. Overall, the song is an introspective and optimistic take on human perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

the first time.
When we first started, everything was new and exciting.

the second time.
Now that we've been doing this for a while, things have become routine and boring.

let's stop this clock from starting.
Let's try to prevent this situation from happening again in the future.

wrong, the time's spelled wrong.
Something is not quite right and needs to be corrected.

why won't you ever start?
Why do you always hesitate and never take action?

why won't you?
What is holding you back?

time ticking spell it right.
Don't waste any more time, do it correctly now.

understand.
Do you comprehend the gravity of this situation?

it's 1974, '73, '72.
Let's go back to a time when things were simpler and easier to understand.

cape tight fit on from here out.
We're in this for the long haul, so buckle up and prepare yourself for what's to come.

"kiss and ride."
Let's enjoy the journey and not just focus on the destination.