It is hard not to hear the lyric "I'm not the son you wanted / But what did you expect? / I made my world of happiness / to combat your neglect" as coming from a place of childhood emotional trauma that may be related to Bob's homosexuality. If you read Bob's memoir it is clear that the Mould house was, at best, somewhat chaotic and that Bob didn't have the best relationship with his father.
"Whatever" is the fulcrum upon which Zen Arcade's emotional power rests, where its themes are spelled out and the depiction of home life in "Broken Home, Broken Heart" are brought to resolution.
The band is firing on all cylinders and it is one of Bob's most compelling vocal performances. Although Grant doesn't have a lot of tricks in his suitcase he does blast out a lengthy fill on this track that I love. After this track the is the dreamy denouement of "The Tooth Fairy And The Princess" answering the catharsis of "Whatever" with a long exhale, an entreaty to remain determined nonetheless ("Don't give up").
It is hard not to hear the lyric "I'm not the son you wanted / But what did you expect? / I made my world of happiness / to combat your neglect" as coming from a place of childhood emotional trauma that may be related to Bob's homosexuality. If you read Bob's memoir it is clear that the Mould house was, at best, somewhat chaotic and that Bob didn't have the best relationship with his father.
"Whatever" is the fulcrum upon which Zen Arcade's emotional power rests, where its themes are spelled out and the depiction of home life in "Broken Home, Broken Heart" are brought to resolution.
The band is firing on all cylinders and it is one of Bob's most compelling vocal performances. Although Grant doesn't have a lot of tricks in his suitcase he does blast out a lengthy fill on this track that I love. After this track the is the dreamy denouement of "The Tooth Fairy And The Princess" answering the catharsis of "Whatever" with a long exhale, an entreaty to remain determined nonetheless ("Don't give up").