Catching Smoke

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's song 'Catching Smoke' delves into the human pursuit of fleeting pleasures and the elusive nature of happiness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night where the protagonist imagines themselves as a hero, even a president, with the power to change their reality. This fantasy is fueled by a sense of temporary euphoria, symbolized by 'happiness inside my pocket' that costs a mere twenty-five dollars. The idea of sharing this happiness, 'maybe we could go halvies,' suggests a communal desire for joy, albeit one that is short-lived and perhaps superficial.

The recurring theme of 'catching smoke' serves as a powerful metaphor for the pursuit of the ephemeral. Smoke, by its very nature, is intangible and fleeting, much like the happiness and satisfaction the characters in the song are chasing. The imagery of 'swallowing the Sun in a moonlight room' and 'standing at the foot of a rainbow' further emphasizes the surreal and unattainable nature of their desires. These lines suggest a longing for something extraordinary and out of reach, a quest for moments that are as beautiful as they are transient.

The song also touches on themes of hedonism and self-indulgence, as seen in lines like 'sipping on hedonism' and 'hogtied to self-indulgence.' The characters are depicted as living for the moment, seeking pleasure in the here and now, even if it means engaging in activities that are ultimately unfulfilling. The mention of 'starting fires with soggy timber' implies efforts that are doomed to fail, yet the pursuit continues, driven by a hope for 'magic powers' that never quite materialize. This cyclical chase of pleasure and meaning, despite its futility, is a poignant reflection on the human condition.