| Imagine Dragons – Cha-Ching Lyrics | 1 year ago |
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Recently an upvote referred me back to this. It's been 11 years...I am now 30 and still occasionally listen to this song. More often than not I skip Imagine Dragons but I like keeping them around on my general playlists. Anyway, I don't disagree with my earlier interpretation but definitely agree with the response that the singer is arguing with themself. In particular, I now get the sense that he is struggling with an all-consuming, ever-demanding work culture that reduces us down to our economic productivity. The singer is at a crossroads now that they've burnt out on whatever once motivated them ("hate is gone and money's tight"). Their inner critic is throwing tired tropes at them in an effort to get their spirits up. It won't work. The singer knows the difference between capitalist success and authentic experience. "I don't think it's quite the same / Just running out to feel the rain." The cha-ching (which evokes wind chimes) may sound sweet but it's not the same as just standing out in the rain to feel it... The singer is doubtful about the transience of this epiphany: "Staring as the stars parade / Are they telling me it's gonna be okay?" The listener is left with a decision...to embody the singer in the second verse or enter the Matrix; induced by the siren call of the chorus. I'm trying the former after a long time doing the latter. Of course, my blood was boiling back then. |
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| Imagine Dragons – Cha-Ching Lyrics | 12 years ago |
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It seems like a conversation between two people--two friends, relatives, lovers, etc. Either way, they live together. The first verse is one expressing concern about the other--"waiting up all night" especially considering his/her financial problems. The second one responds by saying how the only way to live life is with passion--making things happen and taking advantage of our youth and energy. It is only when "our blood is boiling" and we take action can anything good happen or change be made. You can't will the world to benefit you, you have to be proactive. The first person responds with confusion--evidently the two have been living their lives very quietly and in a routine. Never too financially secure, but content with their life and station in society. Clearly the second person disagrees--hence the chorus--"You be the worker...Let me hear...Cha-ching." He/she wants the first person to start working/working harder so as to produce more money until they are too old to do so anymore (something that apparently signifies one's death as well) The first person's retort is very unsure, as the verse ends with a question. Although it is a nice sentiment (and fun thing to do), standing out in the rain just to feel it and watching the stars but that won't make your life any better. The second person repeats their mantra of seizing life, the first person repeats their question (only once this time) and the second person repeats the chorus. The song then ends with both singing the chorus again--indicating the first person has been swayed by their friend/relative/lover. The song, like most Imagine Dragons songs, is about action. About not letting life pass you by. Although "Cha-Ching" sounds surprisingly materialistic, it is merely extending the ID philosophy to real life. |
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| Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes Lyrics | 14 years ago |
| when i hear this song the word that comes to my mind is transcendent. i've listened to it sober and high and that is always the word i think of. last night i watched the video about 4 times (twas crossfading) and each time was a beautiful experience. there were 6 or so ppl in the room each time i put it on and every one who saw it was captivated as well. musically, lyrically, and aesthetically, this song and its video are simply amazing. | |
| New Politics – Yeah Yeah Yeah Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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how is this anti-obama? the only political part of this song is when he talks about "banking corporates", meaning its about the recession, bail outs, and how the government fucked up handling it. but he's still only directly blaming the banks, while saying the police are chasing the wrong people (there's your anti-government piece). but that's still not anti-obama, remember Congress didn't pass anything meaningful to punish/control the banks. i think it's just an anthem for people pissed off about how economics work in this country- the rich get richer while the poor get poorer (and arrested) still a kick-ass song though! |
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| Modest Mouse – Gravity Rides Everything Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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because at its heart this song is very anti-religion. Brock is fed up with people thanking or blaming God for their triumphs/problems. shit happens as it happens. you do something, it's because YOU did it, not some supernatural being (his distaste for this is seen in "don't see you float away"). so the reason it's so upbeat is because Brock sees this as a good thing. rather than chalking the world and its happenings up to God, he is professing a deep belief in free will. and to him this is a wonderful thing, as it means we are the masters of our destiny, be them good or not. it's up to us to determine the future. a pretty bright message if you ask me :) and he's also blending some science in (it's not GRAVITY rides everything for nothing haha). in the same way we have free will, the physical world is governed by the laws of physics- not God. not as overtly happy, but I'd say understanding the world's "mysteries" (i.e. how it works) is a pretty joyful thing. and even though the music is pretty happy, I'd say Brock's voice is rather somber. kinda underscores the very serious message of the song, without giving off a nihilistic or even depressing tone. excuse the long post, I just love Modest Mouse, and this is one of my favorite songs! and quick lyrics correction (doesn't seem like anyone else posted, sorry if someone did), the last line should be: "But at least I don't see you float away" |
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| The Clash – The Card Cheat Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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I agree with blepik. But I think it's even more than just wanting to be part of something bigger. In the same way people think gambling will solve their problems by bringing them wealth and happiness, people throughout history have given their lives for monarchs for the same reasons. The "card cheat" is just like any desperate soldier, willing to risk it all for glory, money, or in this case, acceptance. And he's doing it in such a luxurious and upper class place. I think Strummer is showing that the guy is just a pawn, not realizing that gambling is not the answer. I also think Strummer highlights that with the 2nd verse where he says serving the king (i.e. playing an illegal king of spades) will negate your life. Once you submit to that ruler, you give up your freedom and your purpose in life. That all relates to the 2nd to last verse where Strummer connects a poor man throwing his life away to soldiers doing the same. That's where even people who should consider themselves happy, people with "lovers", lose sight of what's important and foolishly serve the "king" (this time an actual one). I just started listening to The Clash and absolutely love "London Calling" And yeah, this is definitely not a throwaway track, it's one of the best on the album. |
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