The lyrics of "The Pan Within" by The Waterboys invite the listener on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The imagery of going beneath the skin suggests delving deep into one's innermost thoughts and emotions. The reference to Pan, a Greek god associated with nature, wilderness, and fertility, hints at finding a connection to the natural world and one's own primal instincts. The repetitive refrain of "close your eyes, breathe slow we'll begin" creates a sense of guided meditation, as if the singer is leading the listener on a spiritual exploration. The mention of swinging hips and losing one's head adds a physical element to the journey, as if encouraging the listener to let go of inhibitions and surrender to the experience. The lyrics also touch on themes of love, desire, and surrender. The mention of lovers, thieves, fools, and pretenders suggests that everyone is on their own journey of self-discovery, and that by surrendering to the process, one can find their true self. The idea of sanctifying the night and finding pleasure in the wind and stars further emphasizes the spiritual and sensual nature of the journey. Overall, "The Pan Within" is a poetic and introspective song that encourages listeners to explore their innermost selves and find a connection to the natural world and their own primal instincts. It is a call to surrender to the journey of self-discovery and embrace the depths of one's own being.

This song is obviously recreating a memory for Van, before the fame, the adulations, and becoming who he wanted to be. its clearly painting a picture for the listener, what he's life was like, and in that regard its lovely and honest music. Now, when it comes to the meaning of this song, it is hauntingly beautiful. Saying that cleaning windows is anyones dream would be a flat out lie, and thats why we get the "whats my line" like hes in a play.. ah, yes, thats what he was supposed to say: "im happy cleaning windows". he has to remind himself that hes happy doing what he does. But, he's also saying that he takes his time, and he'll see you when his love grows. Well, he has a goal to become a musician, but he's in no rush, he'll meet his success in music, when his increasing love/dedication for it makes it inevitable. "Babe, dont let it slide, im a working man in my prime" - he reminds himself to have faith in his journey. Telling his love, (music in this case, wich he calls babe) that it shouldnt let this oppurtunity slide, hes a working man in his prime. Confidence, hes the right person for the job, music better recognize it. He also brings up musical influences, and books on zen. Stating again the interest in music, and trying to find peace in the journey. There is also enjoyment where hes at, the bakery, the saxophone, the memories, they are looked back at fondly. Making this song a tribute to the process, and most importantly, enjoying the process of acheiving any goal in life. Thats why the tune is so cheerful, because enjoying the process and patience, is the most important thing. Its almost like its saying to you, the listener, that you should enjoy the process of whatever your goal is right now! One of my favorite tunes ever! Now, the numbers, 36 and 126, they can be just numbers on the windows/street/flat(counting). They dont need to be anything else. Had a hard time finding any other reason behind them, but why say such random numbers in the first place? I found something that would make somewhat sense: Van was very spiritual in his lyrics throughout the 70's and 80's, and has many songs influenced by this(full force gale, dweller on the threshold, when god shines his light), so he could be refering to something biblical. Psalm 126 (at the very end, when the picture is painted) - it employs a methaphor for saying that God makes joy out of sorrow, laughter out of tears, etc. So it might be a reference to that God is within this process, or enjoying the process, is enjoying what god has made, a beautiful struggle. Psalm 36 (after the first chorus) - is basicly saying you should trust in gods enduring love and justice, or he takes care of those who do. Could be just a reference to having trust.

This song is about fulfilling your dreams, fantasizing, wishing to fall in love, and realizing that even if this happens, it might not be as heavenly as the TV makes it out to be... "we all want to be big stars...we don't know why." the ultimate moral to me is to enjoy the time you have in life, no matter what it may be, and learn to appreciate the beauty right in front of you

So this has been.my favorite song of OTEP's since it came out in 2004, and I always thought it was a song about a child's narrative of suffering in an abusive Christian home. But now that I am revisiting the lyrics, I am seeing something totally new. This song could be gospel of John but from the perspective of Jesus. Jesus was NOT having a good time up to and during the crucifixion. Everyone in the known world at the time looked to him with fear, admiration or disgust and he was constantly being asked questions. He spoke in "verses, prophesies and curses". He had made an enemy of the state, and believed the world was increasingly wicked and fallen from grace, or that he was in the "mouth of madness". The spine of atlas is the structure that allows the titan to hold the world up. Jesus challenged the state and in doing so became a celebrated resistance figure. It also made him public enemy #1. All of this happened simply because he was doing his thing, not because of any agenda he had or strategy. And then he gets scourged (storm of thorns) There are some plot holes here but I think it's an interesting interpretation.

High life