Wow. I have been and am currently obsessed with this song.
I see the first verse to be setting up the jaded even ruined perspective of a character from the author Casablancas. It’s a familiar 80’s scene at a party. And he’d listen but he can’t tonight. Overwhelmed and frustrated.
There’s a perfect amount of mystery in the line “it’s something that you do to get it right, end up reviled for it, that’s the thanks I get.” Maybe it means the character did something brave that puts him in front as well known, and now he feels guilty from the envy, jealousy, and criticism of others.
The chorus to me is the character blaming the system for the popularity contest. The character seems concerned with high level ideas, but notices the disinterest of others. This sensation of detachment and possibly superiority turns him against the system.
The remainder of the lyrics is a continuation of his criticism of society and government. “Defying western logic, even if you’re wrong.”
This line gives Lady Godiva’s Operation a run for its creepiest moment.
Classic Julian Casablancas writing. Irony and personal conflict. The Strokes matured immensely from Is This It and Room On Fire.
Wow. I have been and am currently obsessed with this song.
I see the first verse to be setting up the jaded even ruined perspective of a character from the author Casablancas. It’s a familiar 80’s scene at a party. And he’d listen but he can’t tonight. Overwhelmed and frustrated.
There’s a perfect amount of mystery in the line “it’s something that you do to get it right, end up reviled for it, that’s the thanks I get.” Maybe it means the character did something brave that puts him in front as well known, and now he feels guilty from the envy, jealousy, and criticism of others.
The chorus to me is the character blaming the system for the popularity contest. The character seems concerned with high level ideas, but notices the disinterest of others. This sensation of detachment and possibly superiority turns him against the system.
The remainder of the lyrics is a continuation of his criticism of society and government. “Defying western logic, even if you’re wrong.” This line gives Lady Godiva’s Operation a run for its creepiest moment.
Classic Julian Casablancas writing. Irony and personal conflict. The Strokes matured immensely from Is This It and Room On Fire.