Sunglasses

Black Country New Road's 'Sunglasses' is a complex and layered exploration of identity, privilege, and the facade of invincibility. The song opens with a vivid scene from a luxurious, almost surreal domestic setting, where the protagonist feels out of place. The references to a 'six-part Danish crime drama' and 'marble rooms' set the stage for a life of opulence, yet the protagonist feels disconnected, losing himself in the glow of the TV and the material excess around him.

The lyrics delve into the protagonist's sense of alienation and inadequacy. The imagery of the mother juicing watermelons with frail hands and the NutriBullet's blades symbolizes a future that the protagonist feels excluded from. This sense of exclusion is further emphasized by the wall of photographs, where he imagines himself becoming like her father, complaining about trivialities and lamenting the decline of standards. The repetition of 'I am so ignorant now, with all that I have learnt' underscores a profound sense of disillusionment and self-awareness.

The chorus introduces the metaphor of sunglasses as a shield, a way for the protagonist to feel invincible and hide his insecurities. The sunglasses transform him into various personas—'the Fonz,' 'the Jack of Hearts,' and 'modern-Scott Walker'—allowing him to project confidence and detachment. However, this invincibility is fragile, as the protagonist admits to feeling scared and disconnected from reality. The repeated plea to 'leave Kanye out of this' and 'leave your Sertraline in the cabinet' suggests a desire to escape the superficial and the medicated, seeking authenticity in a world of artifice.

The song's closing lines, with references to selling chemtrails and the grip of Shellac nails, further highlight the absurdity and superficiality of the world the protagonist inhabits. 'Sunglasses' is a poignant commentary on the illusions we create to protect ourselves and the underlying insecurities that these illusions often mask.