Permanating

Steven Wilson's 'Permanating' is a vibrant celebration of the present moment, urging listeners to hold onto and cherish each minute. The song opens with imagery of a luminous moon and swimming after dark, setting a serene and almost magical scene. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the fleeting beauty of life and the importance of being present. The repeated refrain 'Hold on, hold onto the minute' emphasizes the song's central message: to live fully in the now, to sing, feel, and believe in the moment's significance.

The lyrics also touch on the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, as seen in lines like 'And time is moving on, and listening to the song, we get older, together.' This acknowledgment of time's relentless march is paired with a sense of unity and shared experience, suggesting that while moments may pass, the connections we make and the memories we create are enduring. The word 'permanating' itself, a blend of 'permanent' and 'emanating,' suggests a lasting impact that transcends the temporal nature of individual moments.

The chorus, with its uplifting lines 'Permanating, celebrating, now we're levitating high above the clouds,' conveys a sense of transcendence and joy. It implies that by fully embracing the present, we can rise above the mundane and experience a higher state of being. The references to 'yesterday' as a place where friends and dreams always reside further reinforce the idea that while the past holds cherished memories, the present is where life truly happens. Wilson's musical style, often characterized by its introspective and complex nature, takes a more upbeat and accessible turn in this song, making its message of living in the moment both profound and universally relatable.