In a 2015 Reddit AMA, Kevin Parker pinpointed this song as the emotional core of :Currents":
"I have to say though, there’s a song on the new album called "Eventually" that is still very moving for me to listen to even after 951520974 listens and mixes."
Shortly after its release, Samm Culley from ‘60s/'70s funk band Skull Snaps accused Kevin Parker of sampling drums from their track “A New Day,” previously sampled by many hip-hop producers. Culley threatened to sue Parker, who responded by posting a photo of the email on Instagram with the caption:
"WOW unexpected compliment! The creator of the famous Skull Snaps drum sample thinks my drums IS his actual sample and wants to sue me for not clearing it! Haha!! Sam Culley you have 3 days to fire your musicologist. Anyone think this could be a hoax though?"
Matt Fink: “How about ‘Eventually’? What was your original idea for that song?”
"All I know about the genesis of that song is that I was on the back of a scooter. I think I was in Perth and my friend was driving the scooter and I was on the back. I don’t know why, but I started singing it in my head. The song is about knowing that you’re about to damage someone almost irreparably, and the only consolation you get is this distant hope that they’ll be alright eventually, because you know that they aren’t going to be now or soon. It’s like ‘Fuck!’ That’s all I remember. I was on the back of the scooter and the wind was rushing through me."
Matt Fink: “It sounds like a breakup song.”
"Yeah. I guess I can’t really deny that, but at the same time I like songs to be ambiguous. I hate to say that a song is about this and you must interpret it this way, because one of the cool things is to hear someone’s interpretation of one of your songs that is completely different. That’s when you feel like you’ve done something that belongs not just to you. That’s when you feel like your music belongs to the world, when you hear all these different interpretations and what it does to people. It’s a good feeling."
–Kevin Parker via Under the Radar (May 2015)
Eventually
Tame Impala Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause it feels like murder to put your heart through this
I know I always said that I could never hurt you
Well, this is the very, very last time I'm ever going to
But I know that I'll be happier
And I know you will too
Said, I know that I'll be happierAnd I know you will too
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
Wish I could turn you back into a stranger
'Cause if I was never in your life
You wouldn't have to change it
But I know that I'll be happier
And I know you will too
Said, I know that I'll be happier
And I know you will too
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
And I know just what I've got to do
And it's got to be soon
'Cause I know that I'll be happier
And I know you will too
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
Eventually, ah
Eventually
Eventually
The lyrics to Tame Impala's song Eventually seem to be about a difficult decision in a romantic relationship. The singer acknowledges that it feels like "murder" to break someone's heart, but feels that ending the relationship is necessary for their own happiness and the happiness of their partner. The refrain "I know that I'll be happier and I know you will too, eventually" suggests that both parties will ultimately benefit from the decision, even if it's painful in the moment.
The second verse expresses a desire to turn back time and undo the relationship altogether. The singer seems to be grappling with the knowledge that their presence in their partner's life has caused them discomfort or pain. However, they ultimately come back to the belief that the decision they have made is the right one, and that they are doing what's best for both themselves and their partner.
The chorus repeats the idea that both parties will eventually be happier, acknowledging that the pain will eventually subside and both people will move on. The final line of the song, "Eventually," is repeated several times, emphasizing that while the decision may be difficult or painful, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Line by Line Meaning
If only there could be another way to do this
I wish there was another way to break up with you.
'Cause it feels like murder to put your heart through this
Ending this relationship is painful, and it feels like I'm causing you immense emotional pain.
I know I always said that I could never hurt you
I've promised before that I would never hurt you, but I'm breaking that promise now.
Well, this is the very, very last time I'm ever going to
This is the final breakup, we'll never reconcile again.
But I know that I'll be happier
Even though this is difficult, I know that I'll be happier after the breakup.
And I know you will too
I believe that you'll also be happier without me.
Said, I know that I'll be happier
Reiterating that I'm confident that I'll be better off without you.
Wish I could turn you back into a stranger
I wish we could go back to before we met, before things got complicated.
'Cause if I was never in your life
If I had never entered your life, things would be simpler now.
You wouldn't have to change it
You wouldn't have to go through the pain of this breakup.
And I know just what I've got to do
I know that the right thing to do is to end this relationship.
And it's got to be soon
I can't put this off any longer, I need to break up with you soon.
Eventually, ah
Acknowledgment that this breakup will take time to heal from.
Eventually
Repeating the idea that eventually, we'll both move on from this.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kevin Parker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@naninani2795
I wish I never met my current friends
@TheSmilerr0
That’s so real bro
@vulnorix
most real comment
@Asher-rx9fc
What's wrong man?
@Asher-rx9fc
You doing better now?
@roxy4447
Reallll
@Griimnak
Tame impala, that band with the fuckin groovy ass bass guitarist
@Griimnak
***** o shit
@bendonovan4935
+Griimnak True dat. From Pitchfork review of Currents "Parker is good at writing catchy, simple guitar riffs. But he’s also somehow the best and most underrated rock bassist of the 21st century, and it’s not even close on either front."
@zx-25r12
Really? Damn what a fcuking G Kevin is!