For Now (1987 Demo)

Song Meaning

“For Now” captures a relationship suspended in a potent, almost desperate present. The speaker clings to the immediate, declaring an all-consuming love that feels both absolute and acutely temporary. It's a snapshot of intense devotion, where the entire world seems to hinge on the beloved's presence. The repeated phrase "For now" anchors this fragile, powerful moment. The lyrics masterfully employ hyperbole to convey this dependency, asserting "the sun don't shine unless you open up your eyes" and "the world won't turn if you should say goodbye." These dramatic claims aren't just declarations of love; they reveal a speaker whose very existence feels intertwined with the other person. Yet, the constant qualifier "For now" introduces a subtle, almost melancholic undercurrent, suggesting an awareness that this intense state might not last forever. A fascinating contrast emerges between the enduring nature of "Moments like these don't go away" and the more realistic assessment that "People like us don't ever change / They only get old and rearranged." While emotional impact deepens, human nature itself is seen as merely shifting, not truly transforming. This tension is further complicated by the bridge, which reveals an unspoken struggle: "No matter what I do to get through to you / You keep pushin'." This line is a gut punch, suggesting the "for now" is a hard-won peace, a deliberate choice to ignore an underlying friction. Ultimately, "For Now" resonates because it captures the bittersweet reality of a love that feels eternal in the moment, even as its future remains uncertain. The speaker's fervent affirmations – "I'm the luckiest guy" and "we've got it made" – are imbued with a desperate urgency, knowing that this perfect "now" might be fleeting.