At the time from parklife to the great escape Damon was going through a lot. He was dealing with the pressures of fame, mental health issues (anxiety, depression, panic attacks), and substance use, which left him feeling detached and overwhelmed. The sensation of being "switched off" or "losing the plot" was something he struggled with while becoming a pop star. The line "It's not his fault, we made him this way" directly relates to Albarn's feeling that external forces—fame, media, societal expectations—were responsible for shaping him into someone he didn’t fully recognize.
He was in a state of emotional conflict: on one hand, he was achieving great success, but on the other, he felt mentally and emotionally drained. His insomnia and anxiety are evident in the imagery of the song (e.g., the character staying up late, watching disturbing media). The disconnection from his partner (Justine Frischmann) and the intensifying demands of his career further added to his feelings of isolation and abnormality.
Ultimately, "Dan Abnormal" serves as a vehicle for Albarn to express the confusion and emotional turmoil he was going through, while reflecting on how fame can distort one's sense of identity. It’s a commentary on how society shapes people, particularly in the public eye, and the psychological toll that comes with it.
At the time from parklife to the great escape Damon was going through a lot. He was dealing with the pressures of fame, mental health issues (anxiety, depression, panic attacks), and substance use, which left him feeling detached and overwhelmed. The sensation of being "switched off" or "losing the plot" was something he struggled with while becoming a pop star. The line "It's not his fault, we made him this way" directly relates to Albarn's feeling that external forces—fame, media, societal expectations—were responsible for shaping him into someone he didn’t fully recognize.
He was in a state of emotional conflict: on one hand, he was achieving great success, but on the other, he felt mentally and emotionally drained. His insomnia and anxiety are evident in the imagery of the song (e.g., the character staying up late, watching disturbing media). The disconnection from his partner (Justine Frischmann) and the intensifying demands of his career further added to his feelings of isolation and abnormality.
Ultimately, "Dan Abnormal" serves as a vehicle for Albarn to express the confusion and emotional turmoil he was going through, while reflecting on how fame can distort one's sense of identity. It’s a commentary on how society shapes people, particularly in the public eye, and the psychological toll that comes with it.