Anyways

Arctic Monkeys' song 'Anyways' is a lyrical exploration of modern life's complexities and contradictions. The song opens with the line 'Just another microcosm somewhere in the ether,' suggesting a small, self-contained world within the vast expanse of existence. This microcosm is filled with attempts to 'put a world to rights,' a phrase that implies trying to fix or improve things, often in a futile or misguided manner. The reference to 'Bing Crosby eyes' evokes a nostalgic, perhaps idealized, vision of the past, contrasting sharply with the 'bitter aftertaste' of oversharing in the digital age. The lyrics capture the sense of being out of sync with time and place, highlighting the dissonance many feel in today's fast-paced world.

The song's second verse introduces a 'philanthropic toga party,' a metaphorical setting where the artist's 'double life' collides. This imagery suggests a clash between different aspects of one's identity, perhaps the public persona versus the private self. The 'nosebleeds from epiphanies' line vividly describes the painful yet enlightening moments of sudden realization. The invitation to 'come all by the fire' and 'participate' hints at a communal experience, yet it is tinged with irony as it leads to 'another race to anyways,' emphasizing the cyclical and often pointless nature of these endeavors.

In the final verse, the song shifts to a more personal narrative, with references to listening to the Shipping Forecast and driving to the airport. These mundane activities are juxtaposed with the grand imagery of a 'Metropolis ablaze in the rear view,' symbolizing the chaos and destruction left behind. The line 'devising methods to both have and eat your cake' speaks to the human desire to achieve the impossible, to have it all without compromise. The song concludes with a sense of inevitability, as the race to 'anyways' continues, leaving the listener to ponder the meaning of it all.