Redefine

Album: S.C.I.E.N.C.E (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • You're the human magic marker, won't you
    Please surprise my eyes?


    Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd explained: "'Redefine' is about the creation of your own reality and your own world. The metaphor I used was humans being like Magic Markers. For so long, they painted black and white pictures in their life because that's all they thought they could do. But they can paint with a different color and make a very vibrant and beautiful picture if they take control." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Landon - Effingham, IL
  • Incubus got to play this song for Korn fans when they spent two months as their opening act in 1997 before recording the S.C.I.E.N.C.E album, their first on a major label (Epic). It won them over, earning a spot on the tracklist and in their live sets after the album was released.

    At the time, Incubus songs like this one often had rapid-fire vocals, big guitars, and turntable scratches, which got them labeled nu-metal. The band found more of a pop sensibility on their next album, Make Yourself, especially on the runaway hit "Drive." By that time, nobody was comparing them to Limp Bizkit.

Comments: 10

  • Matt from Cleveland, OhThis song seems to be a precursor of the song "Make Yourself."
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjS.C.I.E.N.C.E. is def my favorite Incubus record. It's got the energy and silliness of Fungus Amongus/Enjoy Incubus but the intelligence and deep thinking of later Incubus. Plus it effin' rocks!
  • Alex from Bakersfield, CaThis song seems to be a precursor of the song "Make Yourself."
  • Roger from Waterford, MiAwesome bass riff in this tune.
  • Jawsh from G-vegas, ScThis song seems to be a precursor of the song "Make Yourself."
  • Pudie Tadow from Winchestertonfieldville, Iabrandon plays the digirido at the beginning of this song.
  • Nate from Aurora, IlI love the way you put that, Landon...incubus rocks and always will
  • Jack from Oklahoma City, OkThis song seems to be a precursor of the song "Make Yourself."
  • Tim from Pittsburgh, PaThis song seems to be a precursor of the song "Make Yourself."
  • Sarah-michelle from Leeds, Englandbrandon is hot!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Church Lyrics

Church LyricsMusic Quiz

Here is the church, here is the steeple - see if you can identify these lyrics that reference church.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.

Vince Clarke

Vince ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.