The Boys Light Up

Australian Crawl's 'The Boys Light Up' delves into the hidden, often scandalous aspects of suburban life. The song paints a vivid picture of a seemingly idyllic community where appearances are deceiving. The lyrics describe a world where infidelity, substance abuse, and social climbing are rampant, all hidden behind the facade of normalcy. The protagonist's journey to his 'mountain home' sets the stage for a narrative filled with deceit and moral ambiguity.

The song's characters are trapped in a cycle of superficiality and pretense. The husband, who works late, is oblivious to his wife's infidelities. The wife, on the other hand, is portrayed as a manipulative figure, using her charm and sexuality to navigate her way through a world of business flights and high-end parties. The line 'She pumps him full of breakfast and she sends him on his way' suggests a routine of deception and control, highlighting the transactional nature of their relationship.

The chorus, 'Then the boys light up,' serves as a metaphor for the moment when the facade drops and the true nature of these characters is revealed. The 'sing-song dance' and 'cheap tent show' further emphasize the performative aspect of their lives, where everything is staged for appearances. The song also touches on the use of 'mother's little helper,' a reference to prescription drugs used to cope with the pressures of maintaining this facade. Ultimately, 'The Boys Light Up' is a critique of the hollow, performative nature of suburban life, exposing the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.