Timbuk 3 was formed in 1986 by the husband and wife team of Pat MacDonald (… Read Full Bio ↴Timbuk 3 was formed in 1986 by the husband and wife team of Pat MacDonald (acoustic, electric, bass and MIDI guitars, harmonica, vocals) and Barbara K. MacDonald (electric guitar, mandolin, violin, rhythm programming, vocals). Initially they performed live as a duo backed up by a large "ghettoblaster".

They were joined in 1991, by Wally Ingram and Courtney Audain. Timbuk 3 recorded several albums from 1986 to 1995; their first album, Greetings From Timbuk 3, generated their only chart hit song, "The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades". The song was featured in the 1987 film, My Best Friend is a Vampire.

Also from Greetings From Timbuk 3, "Shame On You" was played during the opening scene of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, released in 1986.

The group broke up in 1995, with the ex-members going on to record other music independently.

Pass It On
Timbuk 3 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Take a number, stand in line
Place your order, pay the fine
Order comes and then it's gone
Take your change and pass it on
And on and on

When we do the mystery dance
The right to life is left to chance

Love's the beast we feast upon
Lovers leave yet life goes on
And on and on

I'm out on a limb
I'm learning to swim
I'm holding my breath
Life scares me to death

Take a number, stand in line
Place your order, pay the fine
Orders come and then it's gone
Take your change and pass it on
And on and on

And on and on
And on and on

And on and on
And on and on

Overall Meaning

In "Pass It On," Timbuk 3 sings about the monotony and inevitability of life's routines. The first verse refers to the idea of standing in line and following orders – a common experience in many people's daily lives. The second verse alludes to the uncertainty of life, with the metaphor of the "mystery dance" and the notion that love is both nourishing and dangerous. Ultimately, the song suggests that life goes on, regardless of the way we live it, and encourages us to pass on the energy and spirit of our experience to others.

The chorus repeats the phrase "and on and on," emphasizing the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing it. The bridge adds a personal touch to the song, with the singer expressing a sense of vulnerability and fear, but also a desire to live life to the fullest despite those feelings.

Overall, "Pass It On" has a sort of philosophical, reflective quality to it, urging listeners to consider the big picture and find meaning in everyday experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

Take a number, stand in line
Prepare to follow protocol and wait your turn

Place your order, pay the fine
Accept the conditions and expectation of whatever you seek, and be ready to pay the cost that comes with it

Order comes and then it's gone
As soon as you get what you want, it is only temporary

Take your change and pass it on
Take what you can get and pay it forward, sharing the good fortune with others

And on and on
The cycle of life continues indefinitely

When we do the mystery dance
The choices we make are often blind and unpredictable

The right to life is left to chance
Life can be random and uncertain, and it's up to luck to determine one's fate

Love's the beast we feast upon
The intense emotion of love can consume and control us, even when it's painful

Lovers leave yet life goes on
Love can end suddenly, but the world keeps turning without regard for one's personal heartache

I'm out on a limb
I am pushing myself beyond my comfort zone

I'm learning to swim
I am trying something new and unfamiliar