“Let It Happen” is a mesmerizing journey into accepting change and the inevitability of life’s unexpected turns. It’s about the inner dialogue we all experience. Kevin Parker, the man behind Tame Impala, seems to be addressing the anxieties and resistances we face when life throws us off course. He’s urging us, and perhaps himself, to embrace the chaos instead of fighting it. The song is a personal reflection, a realization that sometimes letting go is the best way to move forward.
Ever wondered what it’s like to just let things happen? To stop overthinking and embrace the unpredictable? “Let It Happen” by Tame Impala captures this feeling perfectly. Keep reading to discover how the song weaves this philosophy through its hypnotic lyrics.
“Let It Happen” Lyrics Meaning
“Let It Happen” starts with a sense of overwhelming noise, symbolizing life’s chaos. “It’s always around me, all this noise,” sets the scene of a mind cluttered with thoughts and worries. Then comes the pivotal line, “Let it happen, let it happen.” It’s a mantra, a surrender to the inevitable, suggesting that sometimes, the best action is no action.
The lyrics, “All this running around, Trying to cover my shadow,” reflect our attempts to escape ourselves, our fears, and our insecurities. But the song suggests that in this constant hustle, we lose sight of what’s truly important, as indicated by “A notion growing inside, Now all the others seem shallow.”
Parker talks about bearing burdens, “Bearing down on my shoulders,” and hearing alarms, which might symbolize the wake-up calls we encounter in life. The whirlwind metaphor is particularly striking, representing forces beyond our control sweeping away everything unanchored.
The chorus, “If my take-off fails, Make up some other story,” shows a readiness to accept failure and move on. It’s a liberating thought – if one path doesn’t work out, countless others exist to explore. The line, “But if I never come back, Tell my mother I’m sorry,” adds a poignant touch of humanity and vulnerability.
Finally, the repetition of “Baby, now I’m ready, moving on,” towards the end, signals acceptance and readiness to embrace change. It’s a powerful declaration of having grown and found peace in the chaos.
The Story Behind “Let It Happen”
The genesis of “Let It Happen” lies in Kevin Parker’s own life experiences and mindset. Tame Impala, essentially a one-man band, sees Parker not just as a songwriter but as a producer, instrumentalist, and vocalist. This song is a window into his soul, revealing his struggles with change and control.
During the time of writing this song, Parker was dealing with the pressures of fame and the expectation to follow up on Tame Impala’s critically acclaimed album, “Lonerism.” These expectations created a whirlwind of anxiety and self-doubt, a theme clearly reflected in the lyrics.
The song’s message of letting go and embracing the unknown was as much a note to himself as it was to his listeners. It marked a shift in Parker’s approach to life and music, moving away from meticulous control towards a more spontaneous and organic process. This transition is evident in the free-flowing structure of the song and its ambient, almost dream-like quality.
In essence, “Let It Happen” is a cathartic release from the pressures of perfection and a celebration of life’s unpredictable nature. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to find our path is to stop looking so hard and just let it happen.