Dust It Off

The song 'Dust It Off' by The Do is a poetic exploration of the themes of change, memory, and the importance of moving forward. The lyrics suggest a metaphorical burning of the past, represented by 'Burning papers into ashes,' which implies letting go of old memories and experiences to make way for new beginnings. The imagery of a fountain flowing over as night falls could symbolize the continuous and inevitable flow of time and the opportunities that come with it.

The song encourages the listener to not dwell on the past, as emphasized by the lines 'If you hold on to that past, don't you lock yourself inside.' The 'most virgin dress' metaphorically represents new experiences that are untainted by the past. The phrase 'Mess it up, time is up' suggests that one should not fear making mistakes or getting involved in life's messy situations because time is fleeting. The Do seems to advocate for seizing the moment and creating new stories, even if it means drinking 'from the bottle of amnesia' to forget past sorrows and move towards 'salvation' or a state of blissful forgetfulness.

The refrain 'Don't be tempted to look back / It has all happened before' reinforces the message of not being held back by previous events. The song concludes with a hopeful note that mistakes will eventually be forgiven, as indicated by 'Someday miraculous spread will forgive / Every cowardly thing that you've done.' The repetition of 'Dust it off' serves as a mantra for shaking off the residue of the past and starting anew with a clean slate.