Satanist

Boygenius' song 'Satanist' delves into themes of existential rebellion and disillusionment with societal norms. The lyrics invite the listener to join in various forms of radical nonconformity, starting with the provocative question, 'Will you be a satanist with me?' This line isn't necessarily a literal call to worship Satan but rather a metaphor for rejecting conventional values and embracing a countercultural lifestyle. The mention of mortgaging one's soul to buy a dream vacation home in Florida highlights the absurdity and moral compromise often involved in the pursuit of the American Dream.

The song continues with an invitation to anarchism, suggesting a life of sleeping in cars and rebelling against the bourgeoisie. This verse critiques the superficiality and hypocrisy of societal structures, as the narrator admits to being a 'fake.' The act of spray-painting initials on an ATM symbolizes a futile attempt at rebellion, while burning cash and smashing a TV represent a rejection of materialism and consumer culture.

In the final verse, the song explores nihilism, finding solace in the idea that 'if nothing matters, man, that’s a relief.' This perspective is reinforced by a reference to the biblical book of Ecclesiastes, which grapples with the meaninglessness of life. The lyrics suggest that if nothing can be known for certain, then perhaps ignorance is bliss, and self-belief becomes a necessary coping mechanism. The closing lines evoke a sense of isolation and existential drift, as the narrator contemplates the difficulty of returning from the edge of a metaphorical continent, symbolizing the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.