it. (Live from The Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, 24th January 1975)

Song Meaning

The lyrics immediately plunge into the enigmatic nature of "it," describing its slow arrival in cold and its growth in warmth. This pervasive force is declared "All around me" and "here, it is now," establishing its immediate and inescapable presence. The tone is one of mysterious observation. "It" is presented as a powerful, dualistic force, capable of bringing one "up or down." The lyrics then juxtapose the mundane—like "supper" or "chicken, it is eggs"—with the cosmic, such as "walking on the moon" and "Leaving your cocoon." This creates a tension, suggesting "it" encompasses both the everyday and the transcendent. The relentless anaphora of "It is..." or "It's..." becomes the central craft element, building a cumulative, almost hypnotic effect. This repetition, coupled with a diverse list of examples—from "jigsaw" and "purple haze" to "single's bar" and "between the cages"—underscores "it's" omnipresent yet elusive character. The paradox that "It never stays in one place, but it's not a passing phase" further defines its constant, fluid nature. The power of these lyrics lies in their deliberate ambiguity. By refusing to explicitly name "it," the text invites listeners to project their own meaning, making the experience deeply personal. The concrete, often visceral examples ground this abstract concept, while the repeated affirmation "It is here, it is now" acts as a powerful, almost meditative refrain. Ultimately, the speaker embraces this indefinable force, concluding, "it's only knock and know all, but I like it," suggesting a preference for the lived experience over a definitive, perhaps superficial, understanding. The mention of "Rael" adds a final, unexplained layer of specific mystery, hinting at a proper noun that remains just out of reach.