These Colours Don't Run

Architects' song 'These Colours Don't Run' is a powerful critique of modern society, particularly focusing on the disillusionment with the so-called 'American Dream.' The opening lines, 'These streets aren't paved with gold / Don't believe everything that you're told,' immediately set the tone for a song that challenges the idealized vision of prosperity and success. The lyrics suggest that beneath the surface lies a reality filled with deception and corruption, where freedom and opportunity are not as accessible as they seem.

The recurring line 'These colours don't run' serves as a metaphor for resilience and steadfastness, yet it is juxtaposed with the harsh realities of life, such as 'chemical despair' and the notion that 'life isn't fair.' This contrast highlights the struggle between maintaining one's integrity and facing the often brutal truths of existence. The song's mention of 'vapid souls' and 'suburban grave' paints a picture of a society where people are trapped in a cycle of consumerism and superficiality, living lives devoid of deeper meaning or fulfillment.

The song also touches on themes of existential despair and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. Lines like 'If there was a god, was a god / You would be the death of him' and 'Ignorance is bliss' reflect a sense of hopelessness and frustration. The repeated phrase 'Everything, everything is fine' is a bitterly ironic commentary on the societal pressure to maintain a facade of normalcy and contentment, even when reality is far from it. Through its raw and unfiltered lyrics, 'These Colours Don't Run' serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in modern life.