Tomorrow Never Knows
The Mission (UK)
Embracing the Eternal Flow: The Mission's 'Tomorrow Never Knows'
The Mission's 'Tomorrow Never Knows' is a profound exploration of consciousness, existence, and the transcendental nature of life. The song invites listeners to 'turn off your mind, relax and float down stream,' suggesting a meditative state where one can detach from the chaos of everyday thoughts and embrace a deeper, more serene understanding of existence. This detachment is not an end but a transformation, as the lyrics reassure, 'It is not dying, it is not dying.' The repetition of this line emphasizes the continuity of life and consciousness beyond physical limitations.
The song further delves into the concept of surrendering to the void, a metaphor for letting go of ego and preconceived notions to experience a purer form of being. 'Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void' encourages a release of mental clutter, allowing the 'shining' essence of existence to reveal itself. This shining essence is described as 'being,' a state of pure existence and awareness. The lyrics also highlight the universal nature of love, stating 'Love is all and love is everyone,' which underscores the interconnectedness of all beings through the fundamental force of love.
In the latter part of the song, the lyrics address the contrast between ignorance and enlightenment. 'Ignorance and hate mourn the dead' suggests that negative emotions are tied to a limited understanding of life, while 'It is believing' points to faith and awareness as pathways to deeper truths. The line 'listen to the colour of your dreams' invites a synesthetic experience, blending senses to perceive the richness of one's inner world. The song concludes with a cyclical notion of existence, 'So play the game 'existence' to the end of the beginning,' implying that life is an ongoing journey without a definitive end, constantly renewing and evolving.