Pure Comedy

Father John Misty's song 'Pure Comedy' is a satirical and philosophical exploration of the human condition. The lyrics begin with a humorous take on the biological challenges of human birth, highlighting the absurdity of our existence from the very start. The song suggests that humans are born incomplete and rely on others to guide them, setting the stage for a lifetime of dependency and confusion. This opening sets a tone of irony and skepticism that permeates the entire song.

The song then delves into the societal constructs that humans have created, such as gender roles and religion. Misty critiques the traditional division of labor between men and women, pointing out the inherent inequalities and absurdities in these roles. He also takes aim at religious beliefs, describing them as self-worship disguised as divine reverence. The lyrics mock the contradictions and fantastical elements of religious narratives, questioning the logic and sanity behind them. This critique extends to language and communication, which Misty argues only serve to further confuse and divide us.

In the latter part of the song, Misty addresses the political and economic systems that govern human societies. He criticizes the leaders we elect and the idols we worship, portraying them as unremarkable and even harmful. The song suggests that humans are constantly creating new 'gods'—whether they be political figures, celebrities, or ideologies—to fill the void left by their inherent godlessness. The final verses paint a bleak picture of human existence, describing it as a struggle for survival punctuated by a desperate search for meaning and relief from pain. Despite this grim outlook, the song ends on a somewhat hopeful note, reminding us that in the end, all we have is each other.