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"Not Now"
Single by Blink-182
from the album Greatest Hits
ReleasedNovember 28, 2005 (2005-11-28)
Recorded2003 [1]
Studio
Genre
Pop-punk
Length
  • 4:09 (original edit)
  • 4:23 (alternate edit)
Label
Songwriters
ProducerJerry Finn
Blink-182 singles chronology
"Always"
(2004) 		"Not Now"
(2005) 		"Up All Night"
(2011)

"Not Now" is a song by American rock band Blink-182. It was released in November 2005 as the sole single from the group's first compilation album, Greatest Hits (2005), through Geffen Records. "Not Now" explores concepts of death and its impact on those one leaves behind, and was written from the perspective of an out-of-body experience. Stylistically, it builds heavily around the band's trademark power chords and guitar riffs, and also employs a church organ to achieve a funereal atmosphere.

"Not Now" shares writing credits between the band's three members: guitarist Tom DeLonge, bassist Mark Hoppus, and drummer Travis Barker. It was produced and mixed by Jerry Finn. "Not Now" would be the band's last single before their four-year hiatus from 2005 to 2009. As the band had broken up by its release, the song's music video recycles clips from their past videos, concerts, and tours.

An outtake from the band's untitled 2003 album, "Not Now" had previously been released as a standalone single for iTunes and elsewhere prior to its inclusion on Greatest Hits. The song reached number 18 on Billboard's Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.

Background

[edit]

"Not Now" was originally recorded by the band for its self-titled 2003 album.[2] According to DeLonge, the song is about an out-of-body experience after death,[3] and being able to visualize your loss and its impact on loved ones. An early rendition, captured on a webcam, depicts DeLonge working through developing the song's words; an early rendition went "let's dance until I’m gone / I'm here hold on / to me, goodbye I'm leaving."[4]

Composition

[edit]

The song's guitar riffs were compared to the Descendents by journalist Joe Shooman, and are interspersed by verses containing a church organ.[5] Matt Mitchell of Paste also noted the similarities to the Descendents, dubbing the song "a tight, riff-heavy, pop-punk performance".[6]

Release and commercial performance

[edit]

"Not Now" was first released for download on the nascent iTunes Music Store on the day of the album's release.[7] It was included as a bonus track on the UK edition of Blink-182, although it is unclear why it was originally left off the track listing of the international edition.[5] The song was also included on Atticus: ...Dragging the Lake, Vol. 3 (2005), a compilation album released by DeLonge's clothing company, Atticus Clothing.[8] Both of these physical releases are a slightly shorter edit, where the bridge is shortened, making it roughly 15 seconds shorter.

When the song was selected to be a single for the band's post-breakup Greatest Hits album, it ran into trouble with the trio's management, which were split between DeLonge (who remained with original Blink manager Rick DeVoe) and Hoppus/Barker (who switched to Irving Azoff to handle their new project, +44).[9] The Azoff camp lobbied for the Hoppus-led "Another Girl, Another Planet" as the lead single, while DeVoe argued for "Not Now", which eventually won.[9] "Not Now" was released to radio on October 18, 2005.[10]

The song peaked at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.[11]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Not Now" received positive marks from contemporary music critics. Kieron Passaway in Kerrang! called it among the band's best, observing, "You can feel and hear the friction in the track [...] DeLonge appears to be pushing a separate sonic agenda which he eventually realized with Angels & Airwaves, while vocalist/bassist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker are busy reinforcing the trademark Blink sound."[12] Matt Mitchell of Paste interpreted it as suggestive of the band's impending demise, writing, "DeLonge sings from the perspective of the song's protagonist, who, on the brink of death, much like the band at the time, keeps his loved ones close and promises to wait for them once he passes on."[13]

Music video

[edit]

The music video features clips of the band's past music videos, concerts, and tours.[14] There are two released versions of this video, but the only significant difference between them is that different clips from all of their videos are used.

There is also a third, possibly unofficial, video; this is seen on Australia's Channel [V]. In this version, the video is black and white and is made up of some of the band's previous music videos as well as some footage of their live performance in the 2000 Big Day Out during the bridge of the song. [citation needed]

Format and track listing

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (2005) Peak
position
Canada Rock Top 30 (Radio & Records)[15] 29
European Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[16] 88
Ireland (IRMA)[17] 49
Italy (FIMI)[18] 39
UK Singles (OCC)[19] 30
UK Rock & Metal (OCC)[20] 2
US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)[21] 18

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States November 15, 2005 Alternative radio Geffen [22]
United Kingdom November 28, 2005
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
[23]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Not Now

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Not Now" is a song by the band Blink-182, released as the sole single from their 2005 Greatest Hits. The track, which runs for 4:23, was originally recorded during the sessions for the band's self-titled fifth studio in 2003 but omitted from its final track listing, instead appearing as a bonus track on the UK edition of that record. Lyrically, "Not Now" addresses themes of , regret, and the , with the narrator—a recently deceased individual—attempting to reassure their mourning partner that they are at peace and urging them to move on. The song was written primarily by guitarist and vocalist , with production handled by , a longtime collaborator who helmed several of the band's s. Vocals are shared among DeLonge, bassist/vocalist , and drummer , delivering the track's emotional intensity through layered harmonies and driving instrumentation characteristic of Blink-182's mature phase. Released on November 28, 2005, amid the band's indefinite hiatus following their February 2005 , "Not Now" achieved moderate commercial success, peaking at number 18 on the Alternative Songs in the United States after four weeks on the tally. In the , it debuted and peaked at number 30 on the Official Singles Chart, spending three weeks in the top 40. A , directed by , was produced to promote the single, featuring a montage of archival footage from Blink-182's previous , live shows, and tours spanning their career up to that point.

Background

Origins and writing

"Not Now" was written collaboratively by Blink-182 members , , and during the recording sessions for the band's self-titled fifth studio album in 2003. The track emerged as an from those sessions. It was released as a bonus track on the UK edition of the self-titled album. The creation of "Not Now" occurred amid significant internal tensions within the band, including debates over artistic evolution, exhaustion from extensive touring, physical injuries, and diverging personal interests such as DeLonge's involvement in his side project . DeLonge took the lead on developing the lyrical concept, centering it on an during the moment of , where the narrator grapples with unspoken regrets and attempts to bid farewell to a loved one who cannot perceive them. He described the theme as capturing the realization of while observing one's partner, unable to communicate final words. It was later included on the Greatest Hits in 2005.

Recording sessions

The recording of "Not Now" took place in 2003 during sessions for Blink-182's untitled fifth studio album, primarily at Signature Sound in , along with The Rubin's House and Rolling Thunder Studios in , and in Hollywood. These sessions captured the band's evolving sound amid a transitional period, with the track emerging as an that would later see release as a standalone single. Produced by longtime collaborator and engineered by Ryan Hewitt, the production emphasized the band's core energy while incorporating experimental elements. laid down drum tracks highlighting rapid, driving punk beats that propelled the song's tempo, while tracked guitar parts built around aggressive power chords for a layered, riff-driven texture. provided the bass foundation and alternated vocals with DeLonge, creating the track's dual-vocal dynamic. The mixing occurred at multiple facilities, including Conway and Studios, to refine the raw energy into a polished yet intense final product. A notable production choice was the addition of a church organ in the verses, recorded separately to build an atmospheric, funereal undertone that contrasted the high-energy . This element added depth to the song's mood, distinguishing it from the album's other tracks. The sessions were influenced by the band's fatigue from extensive prior touring following their 2001 album and side projects.

Musical aspects

Composition and style

"Not Now" is classified as a song incorporating and elements, characteristic of Blink-182's evolution toward darker, more introspective sounds on their self-titled . The track runs for 4 minutes and 23 seconds in its standard release, providing a concise yet intense listening experience that emphasizes emotional urgency through its pacing and arrangement. The song adheres to a verse-chorus structure, beginning with an aggressive intro riff on distorted that sets a high-energy tone, followed by alternating verses and choruses that build momentum. A notable bridge introduces a church organ solo, lending a gothic, atmospheric layer that contrasts the raw punk drive, before the track culminates in an abrupt ending on the repeated , enhancing its sense of finality and tension. Instrumentation centers on heavily distorted s delivering power chords, a propulsive bass line that anchors the , and rapid, intricate drumming that propels the fast-paced feel, with the organ providing a unique textural depth reminiscent of experimentation. Stylistically, "Not Now" draws from Descendents-style power chords and relentless pacing, evoking the raw energy of hardcore-influenced punk while maintaining Blink-182's melodic pop sensibilities. It echoes the band's earlier pop-punk blueprint from albums like Enema of the State (1999) but adopts a darker, more brooding tone through dynamic shifts and heavier production. Composed in D major at a tempo of 106 beats per minute (often perceived as faster in double-time at 212 BPM due to the driving rhythm), the song creates escalating tension via volume swells and rhythmic intensity, underscoring its thematic weight without relying on overt complexity.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Not Now" delve into profound themes of , out-of-body experiences, , and existential dread, portraying a haunting near-death scenario from the viewpoint of someone who has just died. Guitarist explained the song's core concept: "This song is about , and you've just realized you died. You're looking at your , trying to say goodbye, and you can see her and you know she's there, but she can't see you and it's too late." This is vividly captured in lines such as "Don't try to wake her up / It could be another year before she talks again," which evoke a observer with loved ones amid the shock of mortality, blending visceral with a of helpless detachment. The underscores over unspoken words and fractured connections, as the grapples with a "master plan" imposed by fate, reflecting broader anxieties about life's impermanence. The song employs a first-person perspective to immerse the listener in the dying process, where the narrator witnesses their own body and surroundings from an ethereal distance, observing their partner's confusion and grief. This out-of-body lens allows for a morbid yet darkly humorous tone characteristic of Blink-182's style, juxtaposing raw vulnerability—such as pleas like "Help me, I'm scared, please show me how to fight this"—with ironic detachment, as if the narrator is both participant and ghost in their own demise. Such blending of humor and morbidity humanizes the existential terror, making the dread feel intimately personal rather than abstract, and invites reflection on how death disrupts everyday bonds without resolution. Vocally, "Not Now" features shared duties between and , with DeLonge handling much of the lead verses to convey the protagonist's frantic , while Hoppus contributes to the backing and alternating lines for a layered emotional depth. The harmonized choruses, where their voices intertwine, amplify the song's emotional weight, creating a choral plea that mirrors the theme of unreachable communication and collective loss. This dual delivery not only heightens the sense of isolation but also underscores the band's collaborative dynamic in channeling personal turmoil. These lyrics resonate with the internal band tensions during the 2003 recording sessions for their self-titled , a period marked by creative clashes and growing fatigue from constant touring and evolving artistic directions. DeLonge's exploration of heavier, introspective subjects in "Not Now" mirrored the group's shift toward maturity amid strains like side projects and differing influences, adding a layer of personal authenticity to the song's portrayal of strained relationships and impending dissolution.

Release and commercial success

Release details and promotion

"Not Now" was released on November 28, 2005, as the sole single from Blink-182's Greatest Hits, issued by . The track had originally appeared as a bonus track on the edition of the band's self-titled 2003 album and as a standalone digital single on in 2003. It premiered on October 18, 2005, ahead of the compilation's October 31 release. The single's promotion was closely linked to Blink-182's pre-hiatus farewell tour, which served as the band's final shows before their indefinite break announced earlier that year. Marketed as a "new" to drive sales of the greatest hits collection amid the group's disbandment news, the campaign emphasized radio airplay over major television advertising. Available in multiple physical formats, the single came as an (including video content), a standard CD, and a 7" vinyl edition. Some editions featured bonus material, such as a live version of "I Miss You" recorded in .

Chart performance and sales

"Not Now" entered the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in late 2005, peaking at number 18 during its four-week run. In the , the single debuted on the Official Singles Chart in December 2005, reaching a peak position of number 30 and spending a total of three weeks on the chart. It performed more strongly on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart, where it climbed to number 2 and charted for at least four weeks. The song achieved moderate success in other regions, though specific data for broader European markets remains limited and was largely driven by sales of the accompanying Greatest Hits . Overall sales figures for the single were modest, with no RIAA certifications and limited physical and contributing to its restrained commercial footprint. This performance benefited from Blink-182's established popularity following their self-titled album, but was constrained by the band's announcement of an indefinite hiatus in February 2005, which curtailed promotional efforts and live support for the release.
Chart (2005)Peak PositionWeeks on Chart
US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks184
UK Singles (OCC)303
UK Rock & Metal Singles (OCC)24

Critical reception

Initial reviews

Upon its release in 2005 as the lead single from Blink-182's Greatest Hits compilation, "Not Now" received mixed initial critical reception. While some noted its introspective shift from the band's humorous style, others found it unremarkable. For instance, Punknews.org described the new tracks including "Not Now" as "neither of which are very impressive," rating the album 5/10 overall. IndieLondon called it a "typically frantic track."

Retrospective commentary and legacy

Since the band's 2009 reunion, "Not Now" has been increasingly recognized in retrospective analyses as one of Blink-182's strongest deep cuts, praised for its emotional depth and exploration of mortality amid the group's pre-hiatus tensions. In a 2022 ranking of the band's 25 best songs, Paste Magazine highlighted the track's riff-heavy pop-punk structure and its poignant lyrics from the perspective of a protagonist on the brink of death, describing it as a "tight" performance that hits "like a ton of bricks" when addressing profound themes. This view positions the song as emblematic of Blink-182's maturation on their 2003 self-titled album, shifting from juvenile humor to heavier introspection before their 2005 breakup. The song's cultural impact lies in its representation of the band's evolving maturity during a transitional period, symbolizing unresolved personal and relational regrets that mirrored the members' own struggles. Critics have noted how its themes of avoidance and finality captured the emotional undercurrents of Blink-182's final pre-hiatus era, contributing to its status as an underrated gem in the genre. While not a chart-topping single, it endures as a fan-favorite deep cut, often cited in discussions of the band's artistic growth beyond their earlier comedic hits. In terms of legacy, "Not Now" received no major awards during its initial release but has solidified its place in the canon through ongoing appreciation for its raw vulnerability. The track was rarely performed live prior to 2023, with only sporadic inclusions in setlists since its live debut on July 20, 2009, during the band's early reunion shows. Its revival began with the 2023 world tour following Tom DeLonge's return, marking the first full-band performance with him since 2013 and extending into subsequent dates with extended drum solos. This resurgence aligned with a broader streaming boom for Blink-182's catalog following the reunion announcement. No official covers by major artists exist, though the song remains popular for fan interpretations that emphasize its introspective lyrics.

Media and performances

Music video

The music video for "Not Now" was directed by and released in November 2005 as part of the promotion for Blink-182's greatest hits . It consists of a montage compiled from archival footage documenting the band's career highlights, including clips from music videos associated with their 1999 album , live concert performances, and tour segments. With entering a hiatus following internal tensions after their 2003 self-titled album, no new material was filmed; instead, the production adopted a low-cost compilation style to emphasize their shared history and evolution as a group, creating a retrospective narrative without a fresh storyline. The standard edit runs for 3:26 minutes and has been described as a nostalgic send-off to the original Blink-182 era. An alternate edit incorporating more behind-the-scenes elements exists.

Live performances

"Not Now" received its first live performance by Blink-182 in , shortly after the band's reunion following a four-year hiatus from 2005 to , as an infrequent B-side addition to setlists during their summer tour. It appeared sporadically through the –2015 period with the original lineup, totaling around 80 performances across tours, reflecting its status as a non-album track. The song was not played during the 2005–2009 hiatus and saw limited inclusion with the interim lineup featuring from 2016 to 2022, with notable appearances such as at the Firefly Music Festival on June 19, 2016. Following Tom DeLonge's return to in 2023, "Not Now" remained absent from setlists until its revival on the One More Time Tour in 2024, debuting with the original trio at the in Orlando on June 20, 2024—the first performance featuring DeLonge since 2015. This revival positioned the track as a deep cut, emphasizing its emotional depth in a live context that echoes the song's themes of avoidance and introspection. It was played in approximately 90% of shows on the 2024 tour. The song became a recurring element in 2024 tour dates, with fan-captured footage from August shows—such as on August 4 and Reading Festival on August 23—highlighting its enthusiastic reception and the band's dynamic delivery. It carried into the 2025 Missionary Impossible Tour as a fan-favorite rarity, maintaining its mid-set placement for an energetic yet poignant shift in the show's pacing. Live renditions feature high-energy instrumentation, with synthesizers emulating the track's signature organ intro to preserve its atmospheric build-up, often transitioning into extended drum solos by for added spectacle.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/release/1941565-Blink-182-Blink-182
  2. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/blink-182/not-now
  3. https://www.discogs.com/master/260561-Blink-182-Not-Now
  4. https://www.billboard.com/charts/alternative-airplay/2005-11-26/
  5. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/3876/blink-182/
  6. https://imvdb.com/video/blink-182/not-now
  7. https://genius.com/Blink-182-not-now-lyrics
  8. https://uproxx.com/indie/blink-182-self-titled-20-year-anniversary-retrospective/
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/424976-Blink-182-Blink-182
  10. https://www.blink182.com/pages/discography
  11. https://www.lightsoundjournal.com/2003/05/14/blink182-go-vintage/
  12. https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/blink-182/blink-182-best-songs
  13. https://musicstax.com/track/not-now/28yCMEplHbodvR19Aipah8
  14. https://backtracks4all.com/backingtracks/blink-182/not-now
  15. https://tunebat.com/Info/Not-Now-blink-182/7KgzQ24V77rgbvsvIQXjeA
  16. https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/not-now-mr0001684329
  17. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/blink-182-taking-hiatus-96161/
  18. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/blink-182-going-on-indefinite-hiatus-64012/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/2130689-Blink-182-Not-Now-Part-1
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/737934-Blink-182-Greatest-Hits
  21. https://www.musicvf.com/Blink-182.songs
  22. https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/rock-and-metal-singles-chart/20051225/111/
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/blink-182s-official-biggest-selling-singles-in-the-uk-revealed__15488/
  24. https://www.punknews.org/review/4637/blink-182-greatest-hits
  25. https://www.indielondon.co.uk/music/mu_recommended_cd_singles.html
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9024114/
  27. https://www.wallofsoundau.com/new-music/the-top-7-blink-182-music-videos-of-all-time
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvcOuExmeJg
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sxfu4uyEk
  30. https://www.setlist.fm/song/blink182/not-now-23d76c03.html
  31. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/blink182-4bd68fae.html?song=Not+Now
  32. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/blink182/2024/kia-center-orlando-fl-6babae1e.html
  33. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/blink-182-melanie-martinez-vince-staples-perform-lollapalooza-2024-day-four-1235070433/
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/stats/average-setlist/blink182-4bd68fae.html?tour=6bdd9aa6
  35. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/blink182/2024/target-center-minneapolis-mn-baba91a.html
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