What I Know Now

The song 'What I Know Now' from the musical 'Beetlejuice' is a reflective piece that delves into the themes of regret, self-awareness, and the value of life. The lyrics are sung by a character who has passed away and is now looking back on her life with a new perspective. She recounts her past filled with material wealth and superficial success, but despite these, she was deeply unhappy and struggled with low self-esteem. Her narrative is a cautionary tale about the emptiness of a life focused solely on external validation and luxury.

The chorus of the song, 'If I knew then / What I know now,' encapsulates the essence of hindsight. The character expresses a desire to have embraced life more fully, acknowledging the importance of experiencing both the highs and lows. She realizes that life's true richness comes from a range of experiences, including pain, joy, and recovery. The song suggests that it is only through living and making mistakes that one can truly understand the value of life.

The song also touches on the finality of death and the importance of making the most out of life while one has the chance. The character advises the living to cherish their time, seek happiness within, and not to take life for granted. The repeated line 'Life is short but death is super long' serves as a stark reminder that life is fleeting and should be lived to the fullest. The song ultimately encourages listeners to appreciate life's journey, with all its imperfections, and to find joy in the present moment.