Take In

Song Meaning

Robert Pollard's "Take In" feels like a sonic mantra, a compact burst of insight disguised as a catchy earworm. It's a deceptively simple song that suggests a layered approach to experience. The opening lines, "Striking in / As the luck would run / Not a sin / But it's so much fun," hint at embracing the chaotic, serendipitous nature of life. There's a devil-may-care attitude, an acceptance of the imperfect and the unplanned. The repeated phrase acts as a directive, urging us to absorb, process, and ultimately, be shaped by the world around us. The repeated "You will take in" becomes almost hypnotic. The choruses, the heart of the song, explicitly outline what we should be absorbing: "the facts you compromise," "the gloss you realize," and repeatedly, "the things you love." This is not blind consumption; it's a curated intake. Acknowledging compromise and disillusionment ("the gloss you realize") is just as crucial as embracing joy. The fleeting reference to "an eighties guy" and "Local tail made good" offers a snapshot of aspirational success, perhaps with a touch of irony. It's another element to "take in," another piece of the human puzzle. The song's power lies in its open-endedness. The mention of "The Seeds and Walkabouts"—two bands with distinct sounds and vibes—underscores the eclectic nature of influence and inspiration. The "illustrated man," a nod to Bradbury, suggests embracing the fantastic and imaginative. And the line "Like laughing gas, don't be jaded man" is a direct plea to maintain a sense of wonder and humor amidst the drudgery. "Take In" functions as both a celebration of the human experience in its totality and a subtle instruction manual for living a richer, more engaged life. It reminds us that even the mundane and the disappointing contribute to the complex tapestry of who we are.