Reggae

black midi's song 'Reggae' is a complex exploration of life's unpredictability and the struggle to maintain control amidst chaos. The lyrics are a series of contrasting statements, such as 'It may be sweet' and 'It may be poor,' which reflect the dualities and uncertainties inherent in life. This repetition of 'It may be' serves to emphasize the myriad possibilities and outcomes that one might face, suggesting that life is a series of unknowns that can be both rewarding and challenging.

The mention of an hourglass symbolizes the passage of time and the desire to keep everything 'in line.' This imagery suggests a struggle to maintain order and control in a world that is inherently chaotic. The hourglass is a metaphor for the finite nature of time and the pressure to make the most of it. The lyrics also introduce a character named Soo, who embodies elegance and control, contrasting sharply with the narrator's own sense of inadequacy and disarray. Soo's 'coat of nine tails and fresh leather shoes' symbolize a polished exterior and societal success, while the narrator's 'un-ironed shirt' and 'rotting flesh of a mange' represent a sense of personal failure and decay.

The song delves into themes of self-perception and societal judgment. The narrator feels scrutinized and judged by others, as indicated by lines like 'they gawk and they gurn and they scream and they laugh.' This external pressure forces the narrator to consider making a 'new plan' to survive and thrive. The repetition of 'It may be hard' underscores the difficulty of this endeavor, highlighting the resilience required to navigate life's challenges. Ultimately, the song suggests that as long as one keeps striving and maintaining some semblance of order, 'everything will fall into line,' offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.