Who do you think?
Interpol
The Battle Within: Interpol's 'Who do you think?'
Interpol's song 'Who do you think?' delves into the internal struggles and existential battles that one faces. The lyrics are filled with a sense of relentless fighting against an unnamed force, which could be interpreted as personal demons, societal pressures, or the passage of time. The repeated line 'Who do you think that is there?' suggests a confrontation with an elusive adversary, possibly representing the self or an external challenge that is hard to define but ever-present.
The phrase 'slow decay' and the insistence on not stopping the fight indicate a resistance against the inevitable decline that comes with age or hardship. This theme is further emphasized by lines like 'Controlling the age it takes a toll on my brain,' which speaks to the mental strain of trying to maintain control over one's life and destiny. The song's hypnotic rhythm and repetitive structure mirror the cyclical nature of these struggles, creating a sense of being trapped in an ongoing battle.
The lyrics also touch on themes of perception and reality, as seen in 'I only call them when I know I don't see them.' This could imply a disconnection between what is real and what is imagined, highlighting the confusion and uncertainty that often accompany internal conflicts. The mention of 'wax and wane' and 'faded grace' adds a poetic layer, suggesting the natural ebb and flow of life and the acceptance of imperfection. Despite the challenges, the song carries an undercurrent of resilience and determination, encapsulated in the repeated assertion, 'I won't stop fighting yet!'