Hey man (Now you're really living)

Eels' song 'Hey man (Now you're really living)' is a poignant exploration of the highs and lows that define the human experience. The lyrics delve into moments of intense emotion, from the depths of despair to the heights of joy, capturing the essence of what it means to truly live. The opening lines, 'Do you know what it's like to fall on the floor / And cry your guts out 'til you got no more,' immediately set a tone of raw vulnerability, suggesting that experiencing profound sadness is an integral part of living fully.

The song juxtaposes these moments of sorrow with instances of beauty and connection, such as 'Have you ever made love to a beautiful girl / Made you feel like it's not such a bad world.' This contrast highlights the duality of life, where pain and pleasure coexist, and each is necessary to appreciate the other. The recurring refrain, 'Hey man, now you're really living,' serves as a reminder that both the good and the bad are essential components of a rich, authentic life.

Eels' frontman, Mark Oliver Everett, known for his introspective and often melancholic songwriting, uses this track to convey a message of acceptance and appreciation for life's full spectrum. The lyrics also touch on the importance of mindfulness and being present, as seen in lines like 'Have you ever sat down in the fresh cut grass / And thought about the moment and when it will pass.' This emphasis on living in the moment and embracing all experiences, whether joyful or painful, encapsulates the song's core message: to truly live is to feel deeply and to give and receive fully.