From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Maybe Now features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, bass, vocals); J.T. Thomas (Chamberlin); Gibb Droll (guitar); J.V. Collier (bass, boogaloo); Chad Wright (drums); Ethan Gruska (wooze)
“Maybe Now” meaning
“Maybe Now” delves into themes of personal reflection, sudden life changes, and the unpredictability of external forces. The song metaphorically explores how external events – represented by an intense storm – affect our internal world, prompting deeper self-examination. The lyrics capture a sense of powerlessness, yet they also suggest the possibility of transformation or growth in the face of such disruption.
Weather as a metaphor for chaos and disruption
The song begins with a forecast of possible storms, setting the stage for the central metaphor. The weather represents instability and forces beyond human control. This external chaos parallels internal uncertainty, symbolised by Hornsby’s reference to unstable winds aloft. This imagery suggests that life is full of unexpected and uncontrollable events that push people toward reflection or change.
The storm seems to build in intensity, both literally and metaphorically. The lyrics “Click the remote, flick the lights, I’ve tried and tried” suggest the helplessness of trying to maintain control in the face of overwhelming forces. The roaring wind and rain outside create a claustrophobic atmosphere, making the characters feel cut off from the world. This isolation could be symbolic of the emotional or psychological isolation people experience when life throws challenges their way.
The role of technology and disconnection
Throughout the song, Bruce emphasises the act of “clicking through the channels,” portraying a sense of disconnection from reality. The repetition of “Click, click, click” reflects a modern reliance on technology and distractions, such as binging on television. However, when the storm knocks out the cable, it forces the characters to confront their disconnection. The breakdown of technology signifies a moment where the outside world intrudes on their insular reality, reminding them of how disconnected they were from meaningful experiences.
The reliance on technology, which suddenly fails, serves as a wake-up call. The “persistent roaring, horizontal rain” amplifies the characters’ vulnerability as they realise they are cut off from their usual sources of comfort and distraction.
Existential reflection and spiritual awakening
As the storm intensifies, the characters begin to reflect on their lives. The repeated phrase “Maybe now” introduces a theme of potential transformation or enlightenment. Bruce sings, “Maybe now, I’ll get religion / Maybe now, I’ll learn to wait.” These lines suggest that life’s chaotic moments might push someone to reevaluate their beliefs or behaviour. The phrase “get religion” likely refers to seeking spiritual meaning or finding solace in something greater than oneself in the face of uncertainty.
The idea of “learning to wait” could represent the need for patience during life’s storms, both literal and metaphorical. The recognition of helplessness in the moment (“But for now, I’ll accept my fate”) conveys a sense of surrender to forces beyond control.
Change and the hope for renewal
The lyrics “Maybe now, we’ll all get real / Maybe now, as things get strange / Maybe now, we’ll finally feel / And from now, things will change” speak to the possibility of transformation in society as a whole. As the storm disrupts their routine and exposes their vulnerability, it suggests that moments of crisis can lead to personal and collective growth. There is an underlying hope that, as things fall apart, there is also a chance for things to improve or change for the better.
Bruce contrasts the uncertainty and isolation with a longing for connection and authenticity. The storm metaphorically strips away the distractions of everyday life, leaving the characters with the chance to “finally feel” something deeper and more meaningful.
“Maybe Now” explores the tension between control and surrender, disconnection and transformation. Through the metaphor of a violent storm, Bruce highlights how life’s unpredictable challenges can lead to moments of personal growth, reflection, and even spiritual awakening. The song captures the anxiety of modern life, where people are often cut off from meaningful experiences by technology, but also suggests that moments of disruption can lead to clarity and change.