Pac-Man (feat. ScHoolboy Q)

Gorillaz's 'Pac-Man' featuring ScHoolboy Q is a track that delves into the complexities of navigating life's challenges and the internal struggles that accompany them. The song's title and recurring motif reference the classic arcade game Pac-Man, which symbolizes the feeling of being trapped in a cycle, constantly on the run from problems (ghosts) and trying to find an escape or solace.

The lyrics, sung by 2-D, the virtual band's lead vocalist, express a sense of disorientation and stress. Phrases like 'You can freak me out, you can throw me in the lion pit' and 'I'm a mad Pac-Man, living in a leveled world' convey a feeling of being overwhelmed and lost. The repeated line 'I'm stressin' out' emphasizes the anxiety and pressure the character feels, possibly a reflection of modern life's demands and the mental toll they take. The song suggests a longing for connection and understanding, as indicated by lines like 'Everybody knows, when I was sad, I fell for you.'

ScHoolboy Q's verse adds a layer of resilience and defiance. He speaks about overcoming personal and societal obstacles, such as self-doubt and systemic injustice. His lines 'All the trauma from past never taught me to fear heights' and 'Normal to fly now, can't be stuck in the red lights' suggest a determination to rise above and not be hindered by past experiences or current challenges. The song, therefore, becomes a narrative of struggle, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world that often feels like a maze with no clear exit.