The narrator in verse 1 is referring to his youth and its simplicity, the chorus suggesting he is longing for more, and he'll take anything he can get. verse 2 shows our narrator paraphrasing the words of a woman he is to dance with. Dancing is a very personal moment that occurs often in adolescence; it's usually where we first encounter members of the opposite sex in such an intimate setting. It can also be a moment where time seems to stop or slow down depending on how much we like the other person, and in the case of the narrator, he seems to like this woman very much. The second chorus repeats the first suggesting his haste for the future perhaps, thus breaking the moment, all the while adding a reminiscent if not portentous line about his feelings for her.
After some "time" and menacing music, the narrator indicates his existential frustration of where he's ended up in life, pointing to his family and career, which leads into the last verse, where he is drinking, despondent, confused and can't stand the smell of cigar smoke. The last repeat of the chorus sums up his sentiments about how time has passed, perhaps this time with a bit more optimism to move on, while further reminiscing on that one moment in life where it all seemed right.
This is an allegory as to what can change when time flies and you're unaware; the feelings of promise, hope, innocence and familiarity we possess can change to regret, fear, baggage and confusion when we become desperate or impatient ("grab whatever comes to you"), whether it's regarding a relationship, career, or any other life choice. Paradoxically, being upbeat and taking charge can be the best solution in dealing with our problems ("nothing ever happens if you don't make it happen, and if you can't laugh than smile"), but our narrator is finding it difficult to do so.
If we think of the musical references, they paint an interesting picture. Both Sgt. Pepper and Are You Experienced? were seminal albums that pointed to emergences. Hendrix became a sensation with his playing, changing the role of guitar in pop music, and the Beatles' were in the process of turning a corner stylistically, helping to usher in psychedelic music, all while creating a fictitious band name and mythology (Porcupine Tree?). If the "cigar" is considered a Pink Floyd allusion, "Have a Cigar" was on Wish You Were Here, an album far more cynical in tone with its portrayal of a burnt out, jaded rock star (Syd Barret) whose former band members were still trying to understand the circumstances that had brought about his demise.
Another artifact to mention in this song is the concept of musical time, which in this song is played with very creatively. The rhythm can be felt as either straight 6/4 (3/4 +3/4) a la a waltz, or a jig-like 12/8 with 4/4 dotted quarter notes
(3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8). Steven makes mention of dancing as in verse 2, and also asks the question "How does time break down?". While the rhythmic components may be more attributed to Gavin and Colin, it nonetheless indicates just how insightful and multi-layered Porcupine Tree actually is.
A very dense and beautiful piece of music, one that was written by an articulate and insightful group of musicians whose sense of musical history is inspiring. If only more music was as dynamic, modern and revelatory as this, we'd all be better for it.
The narrator in verse 1 is referring to his youth and its simplicity, the chorus suggesting he is longing for more, and he'll take anything he can get. verse 2 shows our narrator paraphrasing the words of a woman he is to dance with. Dancing is a very personal moment that occurs often in adolescence; it's usually where we first encounter members of the opposite sex in such an intimate setting. It can also be a moment where time seems to stop or slow down depending on how much we like the other person, and in the case of the narrator, he seems to like this woman very much. The second chorus repeats the first suggesting his haste for the future perhaps, thus breaking the moment, all the while adding a reminiscent if not portentous line about his feelings for her.
After some "time" and menacing music, the narrator indicates his existential frustration of where he's ended up in life, pointing to his family and career, which leads into the last verse, where he is drinking, despondent, confused and can't stand the smell of cigar smoke. The last repeat of the chorus sums up his sentiments about how time has passed, perhaps this time with a bit more optimism to move on, while further reminiscing on that one moment in life where it all seemed right.
This is an allegory as to what can change when time flies and you're unaware; the feelings of promise, hope, innocence and familiarity we possess can change to regret, fear, baggage and confusion when we become desperate or impatient ("grab whatever comes to you"), whether it's regarding a relationship, career, or any other life choice. Paradoxically, being upbeat and taking charge can be the best solution in dealing with our problems ("nothing ever happens if you don't make it happen, and if you can't laugh than smile"), but our narrator is finding it difficult to do so.
If we think of the musical references, they paint an interesting picture. Both Sgt. Pepper and Are You Experienced? were seminal albums that pointed to emergences. Hendrix became a sensation with his playing, changing the role of guitar in pop music, and the Beatles' were in the process of turning a corner stylistically, helping to usher in psychedelic music, all while creating a fictitious band name and mythology (Porcupine Tree?). If the "cigar" is considered a Pink Floyd allusion, "Have a Cigar" was on Wish You Were Here, an album far more cynical in tone with its portrayal of a burnt out, jaded rock star (Syd Barret) whose former band members were still trying to understand the circumstances that had brought about his demise.
Another artifact to mention in this song is the concept of musical time, which in this song is played with very creatively. The rhythm can be felt as either straight 6/4 (3/4 +3/4) a la a waltz, or a jig-like 12/8 with 4/4 dotted quarter notes (3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8 + 3/8). Steven makes mention of dancing as in verse 2, and also asks the question "How does time break down?". While the rhythmic components may be more attributed to Gavin and Colin, it nonetheless indicates just how insightful and multi-layered Porcupine Tree actually is.
A very dense and beautiful piece of music, one that was written by an articulate and insightful group of musicians whose sense of musical history is inspiring. If only more music was as dynamic, modern and revelatory as this, we'd all be better for it.