Look Alive

Incubus' song 'Look Alive' delves into the fleeting nature of moments and the human desire to capture and remember them. The lyrics open with the challenge of rendering a moment that moves too fast to endure, highlighting the ephemeral quality of life. The singer encourages smiling and looking alive, suggesting that embracing the present with a positive attitude is crucial for creating lasting memories. This sentiment is reinforced by the metaphor of the camera lens, which symbolizes the act of capturing and preserving these moments.

The song also touches on the complexities of modern life, including the chaos of politics and the struggle to find sustenance and wisdom. The lyrics suggest that while external factors can be overwhelming, focusing on love and positive experiences can bring out the best in us. The line 'Give me love not suicide and the wise, wider part of me will show' emphasizes the importance of choosing life-affirming actions over destructive ones.

A recurring theme in 'Look Alive' is the power of images to convey emotions and experiences that words cannot. The chorus underscores this idea, stating that 'a picture says with sight what we can't say with words.' This notion is contrasted with the image of someone 'walking eyes to feet in dark sunglasses,' implying a reluctance to fully engage with the world. The song encourages shedding these barriers and embracing life with open eyes and a smile, capturing the essence of each moment through the 'wider angle' of the camera lens.

Overall, 'Look Alive' by Incubus is a poignant reminder to cherish the present, focus on positive experiences, and use the power of imagery to preserve the fleeting beauty of life.