Neverending Math Equation
Sun Kil Moon Lyrics
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And oh my God, I feel so old
I don't really feel anything
On a plane, I can see the tiny lights below
And oh my God, they look so alone
Now do they really feel anything?
Oh my God, I've gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta move on
The universe works on a math equation
That never really even ever really even ends in the end
Infinity spirals out creation
We're on the tip of it's tongue, and it is saying
We ain't sure where you stand
You ain't machines, and you ain't land
And the plants and the animals, they are linked
And the plants and the animals eat each other
I'm the same as I was when I was six years old
And oh my God I feel so old
I don't really feel anything
On a plane, I can see the tiny lights below
And oh my God, they look so alone
Now do they really feel anything?
Oh my God, I've gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta move on
Where do you move when that you're moving from is yourself?
The universe works on a math equation
And never really even ever really even ends
Infinity spirals out creation
On the tip of it's tongue, and it is saying
We ain't sure where you stand
You ain't machines, and you ain't land
And the plants and the animals, they are linked
And the plants and the animals eat each other
Oh my God and oh my cat
I told my dad what I need
Well, I know what I have and want
But I don't know what I need
Well, he said, he said, he said, he said
"Where we're going, I'm dead"
The lyrics of Sun Kil Moon's song Neverending Math Equation address the themes of time and identity. The song emphasizes how the singer is the same person they were at six years old, but with the feeling of being much older, which manifests both physically and mentally. The repetition of "I don't really feel anything" creates the sense of detachment from the world around, which is contrasted with the poet's continuous search for a sense of purpose and a way to move on. The imagery of the tiny lights seen from the plane reinforces the theme of loneliness.
The universe's math equation becomes a metaphor for the interpretation of life's meaninglessness. The infinity of the equation offers the idea that the meaning of life is to constantly unravel more entangled parts of creation in the vast expanse of the universe. Although a revelation of the equation will never come to a conclusion, it offers a sense of purpose in that one's experience can aid in its understanding. The plants, animals, and humans are intertwined, linked through the idea of life ebbing and flowing through each other.
In the final lines, the singer reaches out to their father, expressing a sense of confusion towards what they need versus what they want. The father offers the gloomy conclusion that neither of them will ever know what the future holds or where they stand. Ultimately, the song paints a picture of the human experience being one that is inescapable in a universe determined to unfurl to infinity.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the same as I was when I was six years old
Despite aging, one's fundamental qualities and experiences remain consistent throughout life
And oh my God, I feel so old
Despite consistent internal disposition, one still experiences the feeling of age and change
I don't really feel anything
Despite feeling old, one feels emotionally and spiritually numb or disconnected
On a plane, I can see the tiny lights below
Observing the limited perspective of humanity's existence from above reveals the smallness and loneliness of individuals and groups
And oh my God, they look so alone
From a distant perspective, the individual's aloneness is highlighted
Now do they really feel anything?
This recognition of aloneness prompts the reflection on the state of being, of what is truly felt by oneself and others
Oh my God, I've gotta, gotta, gotta, gotta move on
The realization of the stagnation prompts a strong desire to continue moving forward and to seek new things
Where do you move when that you're moving from is yourself?
Questioning the possibility of true change and growth when one's foundational self remains unchanged
The universe works on a math equation
The workings of the universe are governed by mathematical principles that govern matter and energy
That never really even ever really even ends in the end
The mathematical equation of the universe is infinite and endless, without any clear beginning or endpoint
Infinity spirals out creation
The infinite nature of the universe is reflected in the continual cycle of creation and dissolution
We're on the tip of it's tongue, and it is saying
Humanity is a small part of the vast universe, and the universe seems to be speaking or communicating something to humanity
We ain't sure where you stand
The universe's message is unclear to humanity's limited perspective and understanding
You ain't machines, and you ain't land
Despite humanity's limitations, they are not machines nor simply part of the land, but have a unique place in the universe
And the plants and the animals, they are linked
All living things are connected and linked in the cycle of life and death
And the plants and the animals eat each other
The cycle of life involves death and consumption, in which one living thing sustains another
Oh my God and oh my cat
An exclamation of surprise and emotion
I told my dad what I need
Seeking guidance and support in understanding one's desires and needs
Well, I know what I have and want
Despite the confusion and uncertainty around needs, there is clarity around existing possessions and desires
But I don't know what I need
Despite the clarity around possessions and desires, there is still ambiguity around true needs
Well, he said, he said, he said, he said
Redirecting back to the conversation with father
"Where we're going, I'm dead"
Father's response highlights the inevitability and impermanence of life, making the search for meaning and needs all the more important
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ERIC JUDY, ISAAC BROCK, JEREMIAH GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind