We Are Happy Landfill

Gorillaz, known for their eclectic mix of music and animated band members, delve into a dystopian theme with 'We Are Happy Landfill.' The song's lyrics paint a grim picture of consumerism and societal decay, wrapped in a seemingly upbeat and ironic tone. The title itself, 'We Are Happy Landfill,' suggests a paradox where people find joy in a metaphorical landfill, representing the waste and excess of modern life.

The lyrics begin with a visceral image: 'The feeling in, guts to the brain,' indicating a deep, almost instinctual awareness of something wrong. This line sets the stage for the song's exploration of how people are trapped in cycles of consumption and vice. The phrase 'you ain't got a chain' implies a lack of freedom, as if individuals are bound by invisible shackles of their own making. The 'typical vice' mentioned could refer to various societal ills, from addiction to materialism, suggesting that these vices are normalized and even expected.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the 'happy landfill' is a place where lies and deceit thrive. 'Follow the lives till they cut up your eyes' is a stark metaphor for how blindly following societal norms can lead to a loss of true vision or understanding. The repeated line 'bought all the shit that should never be sold' criticizes the commercialization of things that should hold intrinsic value, like integrity and truth. The imagery of a gun and a 'narrow behold' further emphasizes the oppressive and dangerous nature of this consumerist society.

In essence, 'We Are Happy Landfill' is a critique of modern life's superficiality and the hollow joy found in material excess. Gorillaz use their unique blend of music and visual art to create a powerful commentary on the state of the world, urging listeners to reflect on their own participation in this 'happy landfill.'