| TV on the Radio – Repetition Lyrics | 14 years ago |
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I think some of these lyrics that are incorrect/missing words are quite crucial to the meaning of the song. I believe it's about the repetition, isolation & shallowness of the "successful" suburban/ achieved upper middle class lifestyle. I see this perhaps being inspired by young, "trust fund hipsters", giving up their non comforist (or whatever) facade, basically selling out into that suburban lifestyle. Which is empty, and ultimately isolated. It's "BORN into capital lifestyle height" reflecting being born into privilege. The "shed my skin" is giving up their image for another one, transforming themselves, and knowing they'd do it again because none of their personas have been genuine/satisfying. A consistent sheeplike mentality; The metaphor of the first verse with the forward thinking/unique person - the easier & more comfortable way being swallowed back up into the tide, returning to the safer herdlike mentality. Certainly the final verse is most telling about the emptiness & most importantly isolation of this achieved suburban life. It's "we lock arms in spirit." Absolutely seeing your next door neighbor & both completely aware of each others presence, but walking away with your head down, ignoring each other. Also references to self-medicating/deluding "It feels alright because I shake my bottle (pills/anti-anxiety/depressants) and I drink my swill (etc). There are a number of other lyrics - try thinking about the song from this perspective and read it over and see what you think. |
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