Lyric discussion by Kyoukichi 

Cover art for Are You Satisfied? lyrics by Marina and the Diamonds

This song talks about being different and wanting it to stay that way no matter what. She has a goal in her life and no matter what happens, she'll keep pursuing it. She keeps asking "us", the "listeners/spectators": "Hey, do you have a dream as well or do you just go with the flow?"

"Are you satisfied with an average life? Do I need to lie to make my way in life?

Are you satisfied with an easy ride? Once you cross the line will you be satisfied?"

With this, she wants to tell us she isn't happy with taking things easy, but fighting for them against all odds. She doesn't want to change her character just because she might have succeeded in one thing. There are many more things to do, much more to accomplish. She doesn't go with the flow, she cuts her way just the way she is. A fighter. A coward. A human.

"I was pulling out my hair The day I cut the deal Chemically calm Was I meant to feel happy That my life was just about to change?

One life pretending to be The cow who got the cream Oh, everybody said Marina is a dreamer

People like to tell you what you're gonna be It's not my problem if you don't see what I see And I do not give a damn if you don't believe

My problem is my problem That I never am happy It's my problem, it's my problem On how fast I will succeed

Cause it's my problem If I wanna pack up and run away It's my business if I feel the need to Smoke and drink and swear

It's my problem, it's my problem If I feel the need to hide It's my problem if I have no friends And feel I want to die"

Sad inside because she's not quite accomplished yet, she prays for her future. Nevertheless, she's satisfied if all she has to do is wait and pray. She's not about to go change for anyone, will cut her path just the way she is, even if it takes years.

"Sad inside In this life I'm satisfied praying Sad inside In this life I'm satisfied waiting"

Constructive comments more than welcome.

My Interpretation

Sigh, That was a pretty shallow analysis.

The challenge with her writing is that she tends to speak in multiple voices and point of views. Se sometimes talks backwards in her meaning.

Marina's song writing- or writing in general- is pretty complex and pretty distant from most cliche meanings. I'd love to see her attempt at writing a book.