Just A Phase

Album: Morning View (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • When a rambunctious child drives their parents crazy, they offen assuage themselves by saying it's "just a phase." Well, that can apply to adults too, as we all go through phases of good times and bad. In this song, Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd explores this angle and coins a new word, Temporaryism:

    I think I'm on to something here
    Temporaryism has been the Black Plague
    And the Jesus of our age


    Boyd said the song "documents how fickle the world can be and how the only certainty that exists is that everything eventually runs it's course."

    He added: "Keeping this in mind and trying not to get too cynical, it points out the blessing in disguise that is 'Temporaryism' and how it can be a door that swings both ways." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Tim - Pittsburgh, PA
  • The song took on a new meaning when Incubus played it as part of their Morning View Sessions concert in New York City on October 23, 2001. The city was still coping with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks; Incubus stood out as the first major band to play concerts there following the tragedy, with shows at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan on September 15 and 16. It became clear that going to a show was a lot healthier than bunkering down, watching the news.

Comments: 2

  • Ashley from Moncton, CanadaThis has gotta be my favourite song off Morning View. I used to have it as the CD my clock radio played in the morning, and it always got me in a good mood for the day.
  • Bruce Whitehill from Ny, NyThe Fleetwoods' 1959 "Come Softly to Me" has been my number 1 song for 45 years!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Waits Lyrics Quiz

Tom Waits Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Pool balls, magpies and thorns without roses - how well do you know your Tom Waits lyrics?

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.

Movie Stars In Music Videos

Movie Stars In Music VideosSong Writing

Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Mila Kunis and John Malkovich are just a few of the film stars who have moonlighted in music videos.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Who Did It First?

Who Did It First?Music Quiz

Do you know who recorded the original versions of these ten hit songs?