The phrase "I set out running but I take my time" What does the phrase "I set out running but I take my time" from Grateful Dead's song "Friend of the Devil" mean? I know each word separately, but the

Alexey

The phrase "I set out running but I take my time" What does the phrase "I set out running but I take my time" from Grateful Dead's song "Friend of the Devil" mean? I know each word separately, but the whole meaning is not so clear for me.

Jul 3, 2013 3:40 PM

Answers · 5

It's sort of a paradox which means a group of words which literally don't make sense. I set out funny but I take my time cannot be thought of literally because literally it makes do sense.

July 3, 2013

It's an example of "festina lente". It's a concept worth looking up. "Set out running" means to begin with speed. "Take my time" means to do something leisurely and slowly.

July 3, 2013

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