Chocolate Cake

Crowded House's song 'Chocolate Cake' is a sharp, satirical commentary on the excesses and absurdities of American culture. The lyrics are filled with biting humor and cultural references that critique the superficiality and materialism prevalent in society. The song opens with a jab at Andrew Lloyd Webber, a symbol of commercialized art, and continues to mock various public figures and cultural phenomena, from Tammy Faye Bakker to Andy Warhol. The repeated request for 'another piece of chocolate cake' serves as a metaphor for the insatiable appetite for more—more wealth, more fame, more consumption—despite the emptiness it brings.

The song's references to cheap Picasso fakes and Andy Warhol laughing in his grave highlight the commodification of art and the loss of genuine creativity. By mentioning these iconic artists, the band underscores how true artistic value is often overshadowed by mass-produced imitations that cater to consumer tastes. The line about the 'sugar that dripped from the violin's bow' turning children crazy and putting a hole in a hag's tooth further emphasizes the destructive nature of this cultural excess, suggesting that what is sweet and appealing on the surface can have harmful consequences.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics take a surreal turn with images of Elvis Presley at a Seven Eleven and a woman giving birth and then bowling a perfect game. These absurd scenarios underscore the song's theme of excess and the bizarre nature of modern life. The mention of 'excess fat on your American bones' cushioning the impact as you 'sink like a stone' is a stark critique of the unhealthy lifestyle and the inevitable downfall that comes with overindulgence. Through its clever wordplay and vivid imagery, 'Chocolate Cake' serves as a powerful critique of a culture obsessed with consumption and superficiality.