Palaces (feat. Damon Albarn)

Flume's song 'Palaces (feat. Damon Albarn)' delves into the theme of expectations versus reality, using vivid imagery and metaphors to explore the human experience. The lyrics open with the protagonist's belief that beyond the exit, there would be 'palaces,' symbolizing grand expectations or dreams. This notion of palaces can be interpreted as the ultimate goals or desires that one hopes to achieve, only to find that they are not as they seem once reached. The phrase 'composed within time, being here before' suggests that these dreams or goals are not new; they have been pursued by many before, hinting at a cyclical nature of human aspirations and disillusionments.

The song continues with the line 'If outside is no more, the golden astroturf,' which can be seen as a metaphor for artificiality and superficiality. The 'golden astroturf' represents something that appears valuable and lush from a distance but is ultimately fake and unfulfilling upon closer inspection. This line underscores the idea that what we often strive for may not hold the true value we expect, leading to a sense of emptiness or disillusionment.

The final lines, 'The countdown to the big show, swimming in casinos,' evoke a sense of anticipation and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. The 'big show' could symbolize a significant event or milestone that one looks forward to, while 'swimming in casinos' suggests indulging in temporary, superficial pleasures. Together, these lines paint a picture of the human tendency to chase after momentary highs, only to find that they do not provide lasting fulfillment. Flume and Damon Albarn's collaboration in 'Palaces' thus offers a poignant reflection on the nature of human desires and the often disappointing reality that follows.