Taking It As It Comes

Song Meaning

Annette Peacock's "Taking It As It Comes" operates in the elusive space where jazz improvisation meets philosophical inquiry. It’s a sonic exploration of presence, freedom, and the paradoxical nature of control within intimate relationships. The opening lines, "Lovers are / Any two / Complete dream'd true," suggest a romantic idealism, yet this is quickly tempered by the recognition that "a promise means nothing while the now is new." Peacock isn't interested in the grand narratives of love, but rather in the fleeting, ephemeral moments that constitute its reality. The phrase "Taking it as it comes" becomes a mantra, a rejection of expectations and a surrender to the present. It's about embracing the uncertainty and fluidity of connection. The lyrics subtly dissect the dynamics of power and vulnerability. "There's something about control / That precludes the high" hints at the limitations of imposing structure on experience. True emotional heights, Peacock suggests, can only be reached through a relinquishing of the need to dictate outcomes. This idea extends to the concept of love itself, described as “for the living / Nothing more.” It's a love grounded in the tangible, immediate experience, devoid of abstract ideals or future projections. It’s a love that is active, not passive – "it takes me away from feeling / Either or." This suggests a transcendence of binary thinking, a move beyond the limitations of dualistic emotions. Ultimately, "Taking It As It Comes" is a sophisticated meditation on the art of being present. It's about shedding the weight of past regrets ("I forget before") and future anxieties ("There's not what if and afterward") to fully inhabit the present moment. Peacock's elliptical lyrics and unconventional phrasing create a sense of openness, inviting the listener to engage in their own process of self-discovery. The song isn't a simple declaration of love, but a complex exploration of how we navigate the complexities of intimacy and find liberation within the ever-changing landscape of human connection. The lyrics analysis reveals that Peacock is far more interested in the process of 'being' than the outcome of 'becoming.'