The Rare Occasions - Notion Lyrics Meaning

Notion is about not letting religion control your life. “… when I was younger, was told by other youngsters, That my end will be torture beneath the earth“ This line explains that growing up, religious people told him that if he does not believe in their religion, he will be sent to hell, which probable contributes to why he thinks religion is a lie. “If you could pull the lever to carry on forever, Would your life even matter anymore?“ He thinks that if being religious will grant you eternal life, whats the point in living anymore? He thinks its best to live a good life while it lasts, instead of letting religion control your life. The song ends with, “ You think you're owed it better believing ancient letters, Sure it's a calming notion, but it's a lie” He believes that believing in a certain religion will not reward you in any way, and even though religion is a “calming notion,” it is a lie.