Have You Never Been Mellow

It looks like I am the 1st to comment on this great song. They lyrics are interesting as they broach a subject which really hasn't been covered too much in rock/pop literature. Basically there is somebody with a Type A personality who is running around all frantic and the singer is saying "Hey man. It is OK to stop and smell the roses a bit. Relax and enjoy life. The simple things are what counts." It isn't all just about achieving goals and making the cash. They joys of Inner Peace are not to be underestimated.

Deceivingly simple lyric, with an unusual point of view. The singer is almost reprimanding the listener for being delusionoid and ego-driven ("There was a time when I was is a hurry as you are", "There was a time when I just had to give my point of view", while immediately softening the blow with humbling self-awareness and identification: ( "I was like you".) The message is never "I'm better than you", but rather, "C'mon, wake up allready!" The singer has a quiet self-awareness, "been there/done that", yet never shies away from pointing up her friends' endrenched denial. (Friend? Current or forner lover? New but transparent acquaintance?) Deliberately unlcear, and nice that a romantic relationship iis NOT assmed. (That's OUR assumption, based on the alluring melody. It's not in the lyrics.) The singer reads some serious inventory ("Now you're not hard to understand",) but isn't out to make the other feel "less-than" . She simply sees right thru him, and isn't afraid to say so. Finally, "Have you never trired to find a comfort from inside you?" and the zinger "Have you never let someone else be strong?" introduce self-reflection and vulnerability (of all things!) as being the ironic keys to happiness that have apparently eluded "the other". Still, there are no ego-driven demands. The singer is offers a chance for salvation, but doesn't engage in co-dependent expectations. Even the strident "You need someone to take your hand" rightly emphasises the word "someone". It will not necessarily be the singer. A possible romantic subtext is there, but not necessarily. WE read that into this song because we're distracted by a strong,,alluring melody. But the lyricist makes no promises. Just as likely, the denial is too deep, there is no epiphany, and the 2 never speak again. ONJ's original, bitter-sweet interpretation recognizes this as a possible and likely outcome.

It seems to describe all the benefits of meditation (from what I hear about mediation). "Have you never tried to find a comfort from inside you? " "...lay back, kick your shoes off, close your eyes" One can be productive and mellow at the same time. In fact, higher productivity likely results in the long run.

This song, both lyrically and performance wise, is the logical antecedent to Anarchy In The U.K