@jubbjubbber

1 year ago

After reading through some of these comments, I just wanted to give a breakdown on some of the misconceptions I'm seeing about this song/lyrics and give my opinion on it. With the 1975, the are one of the most meta-aware bands ever - they are completely aware of how their lyrics and music are perceived and are very intentional in their songs in how they utilize that meta knowledge to create songs with multiple layers of meanings and interpretations. I actually believe this is what sets them apart from most other bands is their lyricism has a distinct voice of self awareness that creates songs which often will have multiple layers of meaning. In this song, for example, I believe there arelayers to what they are trying to say: 1. The first is a direct commentary on incel type shooters by utilizing the first person view of someone who can commit such terrible acts. The band isn't celebrating the shooter or their mindset, they are instead asking you to instead empathize with their mindset (notice how I didn't say sympathize, EMPATHIZE, as in try and understand someone's brain and why they would think or do what they do) not simply feel bad for them or sympathize with their cause.) On a core level I believe these people are more than looking for someone ELSE to love, they are looking for a way to love THEMSELVES. So much of their actions are rooted in this deep self hatred they harbor for themselves and they believe that an external factor or person would fix it for them, but really I think "looking for somebody to love" has a dual meaning, applying to both another person but really as much to themselves. The problem with empathizing with people who commit terrible horrible acts is that it causes a lot of pain for a normal person, or at least a feeling of disgust or confusion. I think this is the idea with having a poppy super upbeat song combined with really dark and serious lyrics - its meant to cause discomfort between the lyrics and the feel of the song. 2. Second is a commentary on society - the lyrics "I wanna show him he's a bitch, I wanna fuck him up good, I want to smash the competition like a man should" is highlighting how toxic masculinity and ideas surrounding it can cause these lonely men to think that violence is the answer to their internal problems and it gets reinforced by the media that they consume. It's the same idea with the beat of the song layered with the subject matter of the lyrics - Just as you might be uncomfortable dancing to the song Are you as uncomfortable with the reality of this happening?

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