Rats In The Sky

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's song 'Rats In The Sky' delves into themes of escapism, existential angst, and a yearning for transcendence. The repeated line 'I'd rather be amongst the clouds' suggests a desire to escape the mundane and oppressive realities of life on the ground. The metaphor of 'elevated rats in the sky' juxtaposes the idea of transcendence with the image of rats, creatures typically associated with the ground and filth, highlighting a tension between the desire for elevation and the inherent struggles of existence.

The song's lyrics also touch on feelings of pain and disillusionment. The lines 'Do you feel the hurt? When you're knocked down in the dirt' evoke a sense of being beaten down by life's challenges. The repetition of 'Raw Feel' emphasizes the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with these experiences. This rawness is a stark contrast to the earlier desire for elevation, suggesting that while the aspiration to rise above is strong, the reality of human experience is often harsh and unrelenting.

In the latter part of the song, the phrase 'We don't need no religion' and the repeated 'Field of Vision' suggest a search for clarity and meaning outside traditional structures. This could be interpreted as a call for personal enlightenment and a broader perspective on life. The 'Field of Vision' might symbolize a new way of seeing the world, free from the constraints of conventional beliefs and systems. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, known for their eclectic and experimental style, use these lyrics to explore deep philosophical questions and the human condition, wrapped in their signature psychedelic rock sound.