Lichens

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with exclamations that feel like a primal, almost untamed energy, setting a tone of raw, uninhibited expression. This is quickly followed by a series of paradoxical statements about existence and perception: things that never die can't age, and what never arrives can't be predicted. The repeated command to "Listen loud and listen bold" and "Listen hot and listen cold" suggests an imperative to engage with these truths fully, without reservation or selective attention, regardless of the conditions. The central theme seems to revolve around a state of being that transcends conventional life and death, time and change. The lines "What never lives will never mould" reinforce this idea of an incorruptible, unchanging existence. The phrase "What was once one is now three-fold" introduces a concept of transformation or multiplicity emerging from a singular origin, hinting at a complex, perhaps spiritual or natural, evolution that defies simple categorization. The most striking element is the recurring image of the "little lichen." This organism, often found in harsh environments and known for its symbiotic nature, is described as "never lonesome," existing in pairs or threes, and always as "we." This contrasts sharply with the abstract pronouncements preceding it, grounding the philosophical ideas in a tangible, resilient form of life that finds companionship and collective identity in its very existence, suggesting that even in isolation, there is inherent connection. This juxtaposition of abstract pronouncements and the concrete image of the lichen creates a powerful effect. The lyrics invite the listener to consider a form of being that is both eternal and communal, existing beyond the anxieties of mortality and change. The persistent "Woohoo" interjections, alongside the direct, almost chant-like structure, imbue the piece with a sense of joyous affirmation for this unique, enduring state of interconnectedness.