Star Treatment

The song 'Star Treatment' by Arctic Monkeys opens with a sense of regret and a reflection on the expectations versus the reality of fame. The lyrics 'I just wanted to be one of The Strokes' immediately set a tone of longing for a simpler time or a different path, referencing the early 2000s rock band The Strokes, known for their significant impact on alternative rock. The protagonist of the song seems to be dealing with the consequences of their ambition, feeling out of place ('Here ain't no place for dolls like you and me') and disillusioned by the entertainment industry ('Everybody's on a barge / Floating down the endless stream of great TV').

The song continues to explore the theme of fame and its superficiality. Phrases like 'Rocket-ship grease down the cracks of my knuckles' and 'Karate bandana / Warp speed chic' evoke a glamorized yet gritty image of stardom. The mention of 'The Martini Police' could be interpreted as a metaphor for the critics or forces that keep celebrities in check, ensuring they maintain a certain image. The line 'It took the light forever / To get to your eyes' suggests a delayed realization or understanding, perhaps of the true nature of fame or personal insight.

The chorus and later verses of 'Star Treatment' evoke a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time. The song's protagonist seems to be reflecting on their past, acknowledging that they may have been 'a little too wild in the 70s' and now find themselves performing in a more subdued, routine setting ('Back down to earth with a lounge singer shimmer'). The repeated lines 'And as we gaze skyward / Ain't it dark early? / It's the star treatment' could be seen as a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and how quickly the spotlight can dim, leaving one in the darkness of obscurity or the twilight of a career.