Just A Phase

Incubus' song 'Just A Phase' delves into the feelings of frustration and the transient nature of difficult periods in life. The lyrics metaphorically describe the artist's emotional state as 'bottled fizzy water,' suggesting a build-up of tension and pressure. The act of being shaken up by someone else indicates an external force causing disturbance, much like someone's actions or presence causing emotional turmoil. The reference to a fingernail running down a chalkboard evokes a sense of irritation and discomfort, harking back to a childhood memory that was thought to be left behind. This imagery suggests that the artist is experiencing a situation that is grating on their nerves, something they believed they had outgrown.

The chorus, with its repeated line 'Yeah, it's just a phase,' serves as a mantra to remind oneself that the current struggles are temporary. The song seems to address the concept of impermanence and the hope that any negative situation will eventually pass. The mention of 'temporaryism' as a widespread affliction compares the fleeting obsessions and trends of society to significant historical events, implying a critique of the short attention spans and fickle nature of contemporary culture. The artist expresses a cynical view, anticipating the moment when the current phase will end, and normalcy will return.

The song's bridge, where the artist questions 'Who are you? When will you be through?' could be interpreted as a confrontation with either another person causing distress or with a part of oneself. It reflects a desire for resolution and the end of this challenging phase. The song, through its lyrics, encapsulates the feeling of being caught in an uncomfortable period of life, waiting for it to pass, and holding onto the belief that it is just a temporary state.