| Jimmy Eat World – H Model Lyrics | 2 years ago |
| @[incommunicado:48076] You're correct about it referring to Louis Forsdale. He discusses in his 1981 book "Perspectives on Communication," the "hypodermic-syringe model" of mass communication, which is where the song gets its title. | |
| Jimmy Eat World – H Model Lyrics | 2 years ago |
| Louis Forsdale wrote the 1981 book "Perspectives on Communication" where he discussed the "Hypodermic-syringe. Model" of mass communication | |
| Jimmy Eat World – H Model Lyrics | 2 years ago |
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@[xpankfrisst:48075] The title H Model refers to the "Hypodermic-syringe Model" of mass communication. To quote Wikipedia: "The hypodermic needle model (known as the hypodermic-syringe model, transmission-belt model, or magic bullet theory) is a model of communication suggesting that an intended message is directly received and wholly accepted by the receiver." The 1981 book Perspectives on Communication by Louis Forsdale discusses this, and the line "Forsdale's syringe is wearing so thin..." is referencing his writing on this theory. |
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| Jimmy Eat World – H Model Lyrics | 2 years ago |
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After 25 years of loving this song, I did actual research to solve its remaining mysteries. The title H Model refers to the "Hypodermic-syringe Model" of mass communication. To quote Wikipedia: "The hypodermic needle model (known as the hypodermic-syringe model, transmission-belt model, or magic bullet theory) is a model of communication suggesting that an intended message is directly received and wholly accepted by the receiver." The 1981 book Perspectives on Communication by Louis Forsdale discusses this, and the line "Forsdale's syringe is wearing so thin..." is referencing his writing on this theory. Similarly, the "lift your hands up slow" imagery is most likely a joking reference to the "magic bullet" moniker of this theory. Tom's lyrics are telling the captive audience "if you actually listen to our songs, you may see yourself in them." Yet, The lyrics Jim sings are more cynical. He considers the hit singles on the radio to be insulting to their audience, Yet he still feels pressure to "cash in" by imitating those songs, and in the process, water down who they are to the point that any audience they do build will never truly be able to connect with them.. i.e. they'll never know (their) world. More context/support for my interpretation: this song was recorded in 1997 (Source: the liner notes for Singles states H Model was recorded the same day as their cover of New Religion. The Duran Duran Tribute Album that cover appears on was released in 1997). In 1997 when it was written, Jimmy Eat World was struggling to build and connect to an audience while also further developing their sound and being cognizant of what might help a song they were writing be able to catch on. Static Prevails, released in 1996, was considered a commercial failure and the label was starting to ghost them. They struggled to get Clarity recorded with Capitol Records, and then released. They originally thought the album would be released the summer of '98, but it took Lucky Denver Mint getting radio play on KROQ to force Capitol's hand. They released the album in early '99. The song Your New Aesthetic was recorded at least twice in the process of making Clarity, and it evolved to be more angry. The line "imitate and water down" in this song was even borrowed for the final version of that one. |
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