Figure It Out

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of impending change and a hesitant embrace of the unknown. The narrator acknowledges life's unpredictable nature, likening it to a "funny, stupid game." There's a sense of shared uncertainty with another person, evidenced by the line "You say the word and I'll say the same," suggesting a willingness to follow or agree, even if it's just to "run away." This initial feeling is one of being on the precipice, with a vague desire for escape or a new direction. The central tension lies in the conflict between the desire for control and the reality of life's inherent unpredictability. The narrator admits to being "too busy looking at the trees" rather than seeing "way down the road," highlighting a focus on immediate surroundings over long-term planning. This is juxtaposed with the arrival of another person, who appears at a pivotal moment – "just as the music died and on came the lights" – offering a chance for revival or a fresh start. The repeated refrain, "We all just figure it out as we go," becomes the core philosophy, a mantra for navigating this uncertainty. The bridge offers a striking image of resilience and nature's persistence against human development. On "Barton Lane," a "rich old man" cuts down trees to build, yet "all the flowers and vines just continue to grow." This contrast between imposed order and organic continuation subtly reinforces the theme that life, in its own way, finds a path forward regardless of external attempts to control or alter it. It suggests that even when things seem to end, like "the music died," new growth or understanding can emerge. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their candid admission of not having all the answers. The repeated phrase "figure it out as we go" isn't presented as a failure, but as a practical, almost defiant, approach to existence. The uncertainty is relatable, and the gentle, almost resigned, acceptance of it creates a feeling of shared experience, making the prospect of facing change feel less daunting and more like a collective, if slightly clumsy, endeavor.