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

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Chris Rea

Chris ReaSongwriter Interviews

It took him seven years to recover from his American hit "Fool (If You Think It's Over)," but Chris Rea became one of the top singer-songwriters in his native UK.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Mick Jones of Foreigner

Mick Jones of ForeignerSongwriter Interviews

Foreigner's songwriter/guitarist tells the stories behind the songs "Juke Box Hero," "I Want To Know What Love Is," and many more.

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.