Steve's Going to London

"Steve's Going to London" by AJR is a song that, at first glance, seems like a collection of disconnected and absurd events. However, this apparent lack of meaning hides a deliberate and thoughtful approach to the search for meaning and the need for distraction in modern life. In an interview with Zach Sang, Jack Met revealed that the intention behind the song was precisely to create something without explicit meaning.

The song opens with "Steve's going to London, Shawn's stuck in a suit," introducing us to characters and situations that seem trivial and unrelated. Steve going to London and Shawn being stuck in a suit evoke images of routine and choices made without necessarily understanding their greater purpose. Tom sleeping on his best friend's lawn, an apparently insignificant event, highlights the banality and repetition of our daily actions.

When the song reaches the verse "While you try to find some meaning in your life before you're gone, there's a song that don't mean anything at all," AJR is making a statement about existence itself. We are all constantly searching for meaning, but often, we are confronted with the futility of this quest. The song, with its catchy melody and nonsensical lyrics, serves as a welcome break from depth, a reminder that not everything needs to be intensely meaningful to have value.

The bridge of the song offers a moment of self-reflection: "I try hard to write a cool song, so I start with something simple like trying to put my shoes on." Here, AJR exposes the creative process, acknowledging the difficulties and insecurities that come with trying to create something meaningful. The reference to Kendrick Lamar and the comparison to their own creations highlight the anxiety and doubt that often accompany artistic creation.

Finally, the repetition of the chorus "Steve's going to London" and the question "What the hell you gonna do?" encapsulate resignation and acceptance of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life. The song suggests that instead of constantly worrying about meaning and purpose, sometimes it is better to simply accept life as it is and find joy in the small distractions and absurdities.

In conclusion, "Steve's Going to London" may seem like a light and purposeless song at first listen, but it actually offers a critical and profound view of the search for meaning in life. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do is laugh at the randomness of life and dance to a song about absolutely nothing—and everything. What the hell you gonna do, right? Keep dancing.