39 By Design

Drab Majesty's '39 By Design' delves into the depths of existential angst and the search for meaning in life. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the desire to escape their current existence, possibly through death, as suggested by the recurring line, 'You really wanted to die.' This sentiment is further emphasized by the imagery of leaving one's life at home and the longing for an eternal perspective, hinting at a profound disconnection from the present reality.

The song also explores the concept of self-reflection and the passage of time. The line 'If you could take a polaroid of your life, would you cry?' suggests a moment of introspection, questioning whether the individual would be satisfied with their life if they could see it from an external viewpoint. This idea is reinforced by the metaphor of turning the hands on the sands of time, symbolizing the desire to control or understand one's destiny. The repeated mention of '39 by design' could imply a predetermined fate or a significant age, adding another layer of complexity to the individual's existential crisis.

Drab Majesty's use of metaphors and celestial imagery, such as 'Did they beam you up into the lights in the sky?' evokes a sense of otherworldliness and the search for something beyond the mundane. The song's ethereal and melancholic tone, characteristic of Drab Majesty's style, enhances the themes of alienation and the quest for meaning. The closing lines, 'The end we'll all be cleansed,' suggest a final resolution or acceptance of life's inherent uncertainties, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the existential turmoil.