Meaning of "Tomorrow Never Knows" by Phil Collins

"Tomorrow Never Knows" is a song that delves into the themes of spirituality, love, and the cyclical nature of existence. The opening lines, "Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream, It is not dying, it is not dying," serve as an invitation for the listener to let go of their thoughts and surrender to the unknown. This idea is reinforced with the lyric, "Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void, It is shining, oh it is shining." Through this surrender, one can tap into a greater understanding and glimpse the true meaning within.

The lyrics go on to emphasize the power of love, stating, "That love is all and love is ev'ryone, It is knowing, oh it is knowing." This suggests that love is not only a universal force, but also a source of wisdom and enlightenment. The song contrasts love with ignorance and hate, suggesting that these negative emotions only lead to mourning and a lack of understanding. The lyric, "And ignorance and hate may mourn the dead, It is believing, oh it is believing," conveys the message that love and belief are essential for a fulfilling existence.

There is also a sense of playful curiosity in the lyrics, as it states, "So play the game, existence to the end, Of the beginning, of the beginning." This line suggests that life should be approached with a sense of adventure and enthusiasm, treating it as a game that continues until the end. The repetition of the phrase "of the beginning" throughout the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that every ending is also a new beginning, full of infinite possibilities.

Overall, "Tomorrow Never Knows" encourages listeners to embrace the unknown, surrender their thoughts, and seek understanding through love and belief. It conveys the message that life is a continuous cycle, and by letting go and embracing love, one can unlock the true meaning within.