Never Is a Long Time

“Never Is a Long Time” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a contemplative exploration of love, time, and the enduring nature of meaningful connections. The song opens with a reflection on hesitation and the relentless passage of time, suggesting that life waits for no one. The phrase “Never is a long time” serves as a poignant reminder of the infinite possibilities that lie within the concept of 'never,' emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and cherishing the present.

The lyrics delve into the transformative power of love, as the narrator describes being awakened and invited to play by a significant other. This person is metaphorically referred to as a star, a distant yet guiding light that brings clarity and purpose. The repetition of “You are, you are, the star I say” underscores the admiration and reverence the narrator feels, highlighting the profound impact this person has on their life. The song also touches on the idea of shared experiences and inherited wisdom, as seen in the lines about sharing feelings with the narrator’s father and the notion that “stolen goods are not always half that bad.”

The latter part of the song shifts to a more personal and tender reflection on family and the simple joys of life. The mention of “golden books and tenderness” and the “pleasure of my child’s mess” evokes a sense of nostalgia and the beauty found in everyday moments. These lines suggest that love and connection, whether with a partner, parent, or child, are what rescue the narrator from emptiness and give life its true meaning. The recurring theme of the star and the laws that cause it all to stay reinforces the idea that love is a constant, guiding force that transcends time and space.