The Meaning Behind The Song: Nice To Know You by Incubus
Incubus, an American rock band founded in 1991 in California, has released several hits that have thoroughly showcased their unique sound, including “Drive,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Anna Molly.” However, one of their most popular songs is “Nice To Know You,” from their 2001 album entitled “Morning View,” which reached number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this song and try to decipher its lyrics.
The Lyric Interpretation
“Nice To Know You” starts with a soft, hypnotic vibe created by Mike Einziger’s guitar riff, complemented by Brandon Boyd’s mellow vocals. The song’s lyrical content is somewhat open to interpretation, but it mostly deals with the idea of change and letting go.
The first line, “Better than watching Geller bending silver spoons,” refers to Uri Geller, an Israeli illusionist known for his supposed paranormal abilities, such as bending spoons and other metal objects with his mind. The lyrics seem to imply that it’s better to experience life directly than to watch someone else do something extraordinary.
The second line, “Bending it just to deceive,” seems to criticize those who pretend to be something they’re not. The chorus begins with the verse, “Nice to know you; goodbye,” which might sound like a contradiction, but it’s more of a polite goodbye to someone who’s not worth keeping in your life.
The following verse, “If I ever want to fly, Mulder, now’s the time,” refers to Fox Mulder, a character from the TV series “The X-Files” who believed in aliens and other paranormal phenomena. The lyrics suggest that if the dream of something extraordinary is ever going to come true, now is the time to pursue it.
The last line of the song, “Better than watching Geller bending silver spoons,” is repeated and could signify the importance of living in the moment and experiencing everything life has to offer.
The Song’s Background
Incubus wrote “Nice To Know You” during a transitional period for the band. They had just parted ways with their manager Steve Rennie, and it was the first song they wrote without him. The band was also experimenting a lot with their sound and trying new things, which is evident in the song’s structure and arrangement.
The song was also featured in the soundtrack of the movie “The Sweetest Thing,” starring Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair.
The Song’s Reception
“Nice To Know You” was well-received upon its release in September 2001. It peaked at number nine on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 31 on the Mainstream Rock chart. The album “Morning View” received critical acclaim and has been certified double Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired Incubus to write “Nice To Know You?”
The band was going through a transitional period and had just parted ways with their manager. The song’s content seems to deal with the idea of change and letting go.
2. What does Uri Geller have to do with the song?
The first line of the song refers to Uri Geller, an Israeli illusionist known for his supposed paranormal abilities. The lyrics imply that it’s better to experience life directly than to watch someone else do something extraordinary.
3. Who is Fox Mulder?
Fox Mulder is a character from the TV series “The X-Files” who believed in aliens and other paranormal phenomena. The lyrics suggest that if the dream of something extraordinary is ever going to come true, now is the time to pursue it.
4. What is the meaning behind the chorus of “Nice To Know You?”
The chorus is a polite goodbye to someone who’s not worth keeping in your life.
5. Was “Nice To Know You” a commercial success?
Yes, the song peaked at number nine on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 31 on the Mainstream Rock chart. The album “Morning View” has been certified double Platinum in the US by the RIAA.
6. What was the response to “Morning View” from critics?
The album received critical acclaim from critics.
7. Was “Nice To Know You” featured in any movies?
Yes, the song was featured in the movie “The Sweetest Thing,” starring Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair.
8. What is the significance of the last line of the song?
The last line of the song, “Better than watching Geller bending silver spoons,” is repeated and could signify the importance of living in the moment and experiencing everything life has to offer.
9. Is “Nice To Know You” still popular today?
Yes, the song remains popular among rock fans and has been covered by several artists in different styles.
10. What is the meaning of the line “Bending it just to deceive?”
The line seems to criticize those who pretend to be something they’re not.
11. Who wrote “Nice To Know You?”
The song was written by Incubus, composed of Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillas, Ben Kenney, and DJ Kilmore.
12. How did the departure of their manager affect the band?
The band was going through a transitional period when they parted ways with their manager, but they continued to experiment with their sound and try new things, which is evident in the song’s structure and arrangement.
