Faking Jazz Together

Connan Mockasin's 'Faking Jazz Together' delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly those that feel forced or insincere. The opening lines, 'Let me feel that way / Feeding time with interest,' suggest a longing for genuine emotion and connection, but there's an underlying sense of obligation or pretense. The phrase 'Love that's forced is borrowed' poignantly captures the idea that love cannot be genuine if it is coerced or feigned, and such love is temporary and unsustainable, much like borrowed time.

The chorus, 'Will we last the fortnight? / Making plans forever / Can we last the night? / Faking jazz together,' juxtaposes the fleeting nature of their connection with the grandiosity of making long-term plans. The metaphor of 'faking jazz' implies improvisation and spontaneity, but in this context, it feels more like a facade. Jazz, known for its authenticity and emotional depth, is being 'faked,' highlighting the superficiality of their relationship. The uncertainty of whether they can even 'last the night' underscores the fragility of their bond.

In the latter part of the song, 'Reading out / The tiles / With a tight whisper / Leads me to believe / Faking jazz together,' the imagery becomes more abstract, yet it continues to emphasize the theme of pretense. The 'tight whisper' suggests secrecy or a lack of openness, further reinforcing the idea of a relationship built on false pretenses. The mention of 'Quadropuss' fighting for oxygen and friends adds a surreal, almost dreamlike quality to the song, symbolizing the struggle for genuine connection and the suffocating nature of insincerity.

Overall, 'Faking Jazz Together' is a haunting exploration of the tension between genuine emotion and forced affection, using rich metaphors and vivid imagery to convey the complexities of human relationships.