Ask Me Anything

i think the song is cool and it isnt as simple as just that its ironic that he has nothing to say. throughout the album u hear lines that pertain to the general idea that in these moden times, we are generations that have nothing to say, nothing to add, nothing to contribute to the betterment of sociey; of the human race. in these modern times dominated by technological advances that dont really advance us, there really arent any revolutionaries, nobody is tryin to stop whats going on. and whats going on is free-fall, its like the human race reached its peak a long time ago and has nowhere to go but down.

i feel that this part:

I'd like to watch, I'd love to read. I'd like a part, I'd like the lead.

shows the indecisiveness of the average person. they wanna be better, they wanna do better but they just cant because they fear being looked at as an outcast.

this part:

I've got nothing to say (x 4) I got nothing to give Got no reason to live Oh, I'll kill to survive I've got nothing to hide Wish I wasn't so shy.

shows how most people secretly feel like theres nothing to live for, yet would kill or fight if the opportunity were given to them.

Those of you who question the meaning of this song or think that it is simply ironic or nonsensical have obviously never suffered from clinical depression. This is one of the saddest songs I have ever heard. I love it and it hurts me because it reminds me of a depth of despair that I have felt. I don't mean being depressed about something; I mean being depressed about NOTHING which is--in many ways--much worse. This song perfectly expresses that sentiment.

..and youre meant to be 'thestrokesluver'? If its a waste to you, you dont deserve this album let alone that moniker. As other people have rightly said, its them experimenting a bit; minimalist music (beautifully done might i add), using an instrument which is not very common, simple melody yet intricately woven and although one can read what they want from the lyrics, there is obviously an intended irony there. Adding to another comment, all their new songs dont have to sound like is this it/someday/reptilia, why are some people expecting this?? Is it such a crime to have ONE song slightly different from the rest of the album? (imho, i find it a good song to wind down/relax to.. hope that doesnt sound too corny..)

I'm with fallingcantturnback. I think you are all too dismissive on this song. There's much more depth to it than just an "ironic" song. I think it represents his disillusionment and his apathy. Partly thinking of a bygone era, while at the same time not having anything to add to the present. The last verse:

I've got nothing to say (x 4) I got nothing to give Got no reason to live Oh, I'll kill to survive I've got nothing to hide Wish I wasn't so shy.

I think sums it all up. He's apathetic, almost against his own will. He wants to make a difference, but realizes he won't do a thing until faced with survival. Sounds like a classic modern American.

the last 6 lines of this song reflect me in so many ways its scary

..maybe its sumtn we all feel sometimes

I think that alot of people are missing the point here. I like this song. It's not epic, or catchy, nor does it have a great tune. It's real. It's not about some abstract but intense emotion, nor is it a love song. It's about life. Mundane, dreary, ironic, everyday society. This song encompasses the feeling I get when I'm driving to work on a Wednesday. It does make sense, because you can relate every one of the lyrics to a day in the life of a dull employee.

the fact that the lyrics are so bleak and bland are what i love about it. they have nothing to say, and they arent going to cherry coat it and pretend.

Just an observation that I don't think anyone has previously mentioned: If you listen to the song Red Light on the album, Julian sings "an entire generation that has nothing to say" and also "seven billion people who got nothing to say". I think the similarity in lyrics is most likely some sort of link that could cast light on the analysis of Ask Me Anything.

I think the title of the song contributes a lot to the meaning. It says 'ask me anything'. The person is lost, they have nothing to say, they want things (to read, the lead) but they can't somehow. They can't speak. Maybe it's indecisivness or maybe it's anxiety. The person just wants people to ask them questions, they are so shy that that is the only way they will do the things they want to do.

If I could Ask You Anything, I'd ask what this song is about...