It / Watcher of the Skies (Live at Apollo Theater, Glasgow, 9th July 1976)

Song Meaning

The lyrics to "It" introduce a pervasive, enigmatic force that is both immediate and ever-present. This "It" is described as something that grows with warmth and comes slowly in the cold, suggesting a natural, organic quality. The repeated declaration, "It is here / It is now," anchors this mysterious entity firmly in the present moment, making it feel inescapable. This elusive "It" holds immense power, capable of bringing one "up or down," highlighting its profound influence on human experience. The lyrics ground "It" in the mundane, comparing it to "the supper / It is cooking in your hometown," before abruptly shifting to the deeply personal and primal with "It is in between your legs." This contrast between the everyday and the intimate, further expanded by "walking on the moon" and "Leaving your cocoon," suggests "It" encompasses everything from basic sustenance to grand ambition and personal transformation. A particularly sharp piece of craft comes in the pre-chorus, where the narrator directly challenges the listener: "Now if you think this is pretentious / Then you've been taken for a ride." This direct address pulls the audience into the song's philosophical core, demanding engagement rather than passive listening. It reframes the ambiguity of "It" not as a flaw, but as a deliberate choice, urging introspection with "Look across the mirror, sonny / Before you choose, decide." The outro's insistent repetition of "It's only knock and know all / But we like it" reveals a fascinating communal acceptance of "It." This phrase suggests a playful dismissal of needing to fully intellectualize or understand "It"; instead, there's a collective embrace of its presence and impact, regardless of its precise definition. The declaration "It is real, it is Rael" further solidifies "It" with a specific, yet still enigmatic, identity, inviting listeners to simply experience and appreciate this powerful, all-encompassing force.