We’re talking about “Right Now,” one of the most iconic, weirdly profound songs Van Halen ever recorded. Released in 1991 on For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, ya, that album title was an acronym for exactly what you think it was,“Right Now” was not your typical Van Halen party anthem.
Now, Sammy Hagar was all about this idea. In fact, on his YouTube channel recently, Sammy was talking about how the whole theme of “Right Now” was simple. But then, in pure Eddie fashion — Eddie Van Halen hears Sammy laying down the vocals and tells him to get the feeling like Joe Cocker.
“Right Now” by Van Halen, released in 1991 on the For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge album, is one of the band’s most powerful and socially conscious tracks. With its urgent piano riff, courtesy of Eddie Van Halen, and emotionally charged vocals from Sammy Hagar, the song delivers a message that stands out from the band’s typical party-rock catalog.
Lyrically, “Right Now” encourages immediate action and reflection. Lines like “Don’t wanna wait ‘til tomorrow / Why put it off another day?” push the listener to seize the moment. It’s a call to break through apathy and make a difference now, whether it’s personal growth or societal change.
The song gained even more weight thanks to its music video, which paired the track with provocative social and political statements in bold white text on a black screen—highlighting everything from homelessness and racism to corporate greed. It won three MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year.
Eddie’s piano work, Alex’s tight drumming, and Michael Anthony’s bass playing set a dramatic tone that made “Right Now” one of the band’s most distinctive and respected songs. Decades later, it remains an anthem for urgency and change—reminding us that the time to act is always right now.
