We Are Plastic (Melt In The Summer)
Lady Gaga
The Fragility of Synthetic Love: Lady Gaga's 'We Are Plastic (Melt In The Summer)'
Lady Gaga's 'We Are Plastic (Melt In The Summer)' delves into the ephemeral and fragile nature of modern relationships, using the metaphor of plastic to illustrate how easily they can dissolve under pressure. The repeated phrase 'We are plastic' and its French counterpart 'Nous sommes plastique' emphasize the synthetic and temporary quality of these connections. Plastic, a material known for its durability yet vulnerability to heat, symbolizes relationships that appear strong but can quickly disintegrate when faced with emotional intensity, represented by the summer heat.
The lyrics 'Don't tell me you love me in the middle of the summer' and 'Don't say that you need me when it's tragic' highlight the singer's skepticism towards declarations of love made during tumultuous times. The summer, often associated with passion and intensity, becomes a metaphor for moments of heightened emotion where true feelings can be obscured. The imagery of a heart in a blender further underscores the chaos and confusion that can arise in such situations, suggesting that these declarations are not genuine but rather a product of the moment's heat.
Lady Gaga's reference to the 'electronic underground scene' and the 'synthetic situation' adds another layer to the song, hinting at the artificiality of the environments where these relationships often form. The dance with 'no intermission' and the 'record, record, record' motif suggest a repetitive, almost mechanical nature to these interactions, devoid of genuine emotion. The song's upbeat tempo and electronic beats contrast with its deeper message, creating a poignant commentary on the superficiality of modern love and the ease with which it can 'melt in the summer.'