Members:
Sammy Tunis - vocals/cabinet
César Alvarez - vocals/guitar
Jeremy Hoevenaar - bass
Eric Farber - drumset + objects
(most members also play melodica)
http://www.myspace.com/thelisps
Don't Wait
The Lisps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a future that looks like brand new railroad track
There's a fiction that folds all my failures and frailties
In a powerful triumph of will
There's a war that I'll end with this sole fountain pen
There's a future that's better than what we've got now
There's a fiction that lets all the soldiers go home
And that puts down to rest all the doubt
Just change how you're making them up
Don't wait for anything
'Cause the only thing coming is what you and yours make up
Make it up
There's no problem not solved by the twist of a knob
No panic not managed by some complex mechanics
No riddle not cracked by a rational tack(?)
Yes calculated steering and imprecise engineering
It's a triumph of will more powerful still than God
Oh Oh Oh
x3
Don't wait for things to change
Just change how you're making them up
Don't wait for anything
'Cause the only thing coming is what you and yours make up
Don't wait for things to change
Just change how you're making them up
Don't wait for anything
'Cause the only thing coming is what you and yours make up
Oh make it up
Make it up
Make it up
The Lisps’ song, “Don’t Wait,” utilizes a combination of abstract imagery, technological references, and philosophical perspectives, culminating in a call to action for personal responsibility and creativity. The song opens with an apparent reference to a war, which the singer claims he can end by simply twisting a knob, adding a sense of technological mastery to the track. Moving on, the song transitions into the concept of a better future, represented by a new railroad track, and touches on the idea of personal growth, represented as a fictionalized account of the singer's failures and frailties. He claims that by folding these failures and frailties into a powerful triumph of will, he can overcome them.
As the song progresses, the singer references soldiers coming home, suggesting a war-torn setting or possibly a personal battle with oneself, which he intends to overcome with his fountain pen. The song concludes with the repeated refrain, “Don’t wait for things to change, just change how you’re making them up,” emphasizing the importance of personal agency and creativity.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a war that I'll solve with the twist of a knob
I have the power to end a conflict easily, just by adjusting a simple switch or dial.
There's a future that looks like brand new railroad track
The future for me is bright and full of possibility, like a newly built, pristine railroad track leading to new horizons.
There's a fiction that folds all my failures and frailties
I can create a story that weaves my weaknesses and shortcomings into my successes, portraying them as elements of a triumphant narrative.
In a powerful triumph of will
Through sheer force of determination, I can overcome whatever obstacles stand in the way of my success.
There's a war that I'll end with this sole fountain pen
With only a writing utensil, I can bring an end to conflict and create peace.
There's a future that's better than what we've got now
I am optimistic that the future holds greater potential than our present circumstances.
There's a fiction that lets all the soldiers go home
Through storytelling, I can bring an end to war and enable soldiers to return home safely.
And that puts down to rest all the doubt
By creating a narrative that resolves any lingering uncertainty or skepticism, I can instill a sense of confidence and assurance.
Don't wait for things to change
Rather than sitting back and hoping for change to happen on its own, I should take charge and actively make changes myself.
Just change how you're making them up
The key to making positive changes is to alter my perspective and approach, finding a new way of thinking that will lead to success.
'Cause the only thing coming is what you and yours make up
The outcome of any situation will ultimately be determined by the actions and decisions of those involved, rather than by external forces that are beyond our control.
There's no problem not solved by the twist of a knob
No matter how challenging a situation may appear, there is always a simple solution that can be found, similar to the ease of fixing a problem with a twisting motion.
No panic not managed by some complex mechanics
Even during moments of intense stress or anxiety, there are tools and techniques that can help manage those feelings, even if they are complicated or difficult to learn.
No riddle not cracked by a rational tack(?)
There is no puzzle or enigma that cannot be solved with a logical and methodical approach.
Yes calculated steering and imprecise engineering
While precision and accuracy are important in many situations, sometimes a general direction or goal is all that is needed to achieve success, even if the methods used to get there are not entirely precise or perfect.
It's a triumph of will more powerful still than God
The strength of my own will and determination is even more potent than the power of a divine being or force.
Don't wait for anything
Instead of hesitating or waiting for external factors to change, I should take action and create change on my own.
'Cause the only thing coming is what you and yours make up
Ultimately, the outcome of any situation will be determined by the choices and actions of those involved, rather than by fate or destiny.
Oh make it up
The power to create my own reality lies within my own mind and actions, and I should take control of that power to shape my future.
Make it up
The responsibility to create the life and future that I want is entirely within my own control, and I should seize that power to shape my own destiny.
Contributed by Noah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.