Mental Notes
Split Enz Lyrics
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Take it from the top, Mister, if you please
Yes I must must must make a mental note
Make a mental note
Make a mental note.
The opening lyrics of Split Enz's song "Mental Notes" indicate a desire for change, for trying something out of the ordinary. This sentiment is reinforced by the plea to "take it from the top," meaning starting anew, beginning afresh. The use of the phrase "Mister, if you please" adds a sense of formality and respect to the request being made. The repetition of "must" emphasizes the importance of the idea and the need for it to be acted upon. The line "make a mental note" is repeated three times, indicating the urgency and importance of remembering this idea.
The song is believed to be about the anxieties and pressures of living life as a musician, with mental notes serving as a coping mechanism. The constantly changing time signatures and instrumentation in the song reflect the feeling of unpredictability and uncertainty that can come with artistic pursuits. The use of the phrase "mental notes" also references the idea of keeping a record of one's thoughts and feelings, perhaps indicating the importance of self-reflection and self-care in the face of environmental stresses.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I gotta try something in a different key
I feel like I need to try a new approach to something in my life
Take it from the top, Mister, if you please
Could you start from the beginning and give me a fresh perspective on things?
Yes I must must must make a mental note
I need to remember this for future reference
Make a mental note
Don't forget to remember this
Make a mental note.
Seriously, remember this.
Contributed by Lila J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
frank merrill
You're NEVER too old for Split Enz! My roommate and I explored this band together three years ago - after I turned 70! Have been known to put True Colors or Frenzy on a loop...Frenzy has become one of my ten Desert Island Records!
MENTAL NOTES has been growing on me big time!
I'm over here in Chicago, in a country that just didn't "find" Split Enz at all; I don't think that I even heard their "hit" I Got You, over here. I did find Double Happy and Six Months In a Leaky Boat on 45-singles in USA, but I never took the group any farther at the time.
'Enz is giving this old guy some wonderful earfood!!
I consider Split Enz as the band who took a lot of Sparks sensibilities and came out with something even better. (Two Sparks albums are also in my Desert Island Discs...Propaganda and Kimono My House.)
Mark Wajdeman
Split Enz:
Timothy Finn – vocals, piano
Wally Wilkinson – lead guitar
Eddie Rayner – keys, synth, clavinet, mellotron
Philip Judd – guitar, mandolin, vocals
Jonathan Michael Chunn – bass, piano on 'Titus'
Emlyn Crowther – drums
Noel Crombie – percussion
with
David Russell – bass [track 4]
His Latest Flame
I have a copy of this album signed by every original member. One of my most treasured possessions.
Rob Ison
I have a signed album sleeve, but no record !!
nongthip
Yes I have one as well. Found it at Real Groovy Records which used to reside on the top of Queen Street in Auckland. Frenz of the Enz 4eva =)
Sultan Rex
I guess you must be very proud of it. What a treasure.
frank merrill
You're NEVER too old for Split Enz! My roommate and I explored this band together three years ago - after I turned 70! Have been known to put True Colors or Frenzy on a loop...Frenzy has become one of my ten Desert Island Records!
MENTAL NOTES has been growing on me big time!
I'm over here in Chicago, in a country that just didn't "find" Split Enz at all; I don't think that I even heard their "hit" I Got You, over here. I did find Double Happy and Six Months In a Leaky Boat on 45-singles in USA, but I never took the group any farther at the time.
'Enz is giving this old guy some wonderful earfood!!
I consider Split Enz as the band who took a lot of Sparks sensibilities and came out with something even better. (Two Sparks albums are also in my Desert Island Discs...Propaganda and Kimono My House.)
Gil B
I could swear as a child in the 80s, I could recall the "One Step Ahead" music video on MTV rotation and forgot about it until the late 2000s. Since rediscovering them, I've explored their catalog and loving every record. They're an awesome band.
Pamela A. Hogan
this band has heavily influenced me for over 40 years now.....thank you for making me feel my weirdness was okay
Joseph Cox
I don't know that it was okay, but at least you're in good company!
Pubbets!
YES! Me too
SuperMarksman33
Yep, as a Kiwi and 55 now you know it friend.