Let X=X

Laurie Anderson's 'Let X=X' is a fascinating exploration of abstract thought and existential musings, wrapped in her signature avant-garde style. The song opens with a seemingly mundane encounter with a hat check clerk at an ice rink, which quickly spirals into a deeper reflection on identity and the randomness of life. The phrase 'Let X=X' serves as a mathematical metaphor, suggesting that sometimes things are what they are, without deeper meaning or explanation. This idea is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase, emphasizing acceptance of the unknown and the unpredictable nature of existence.

The lyrics then shift to a broader, almost surreal narrative. Anderson mentions writing a book thick enough to 'stun an ox,' hinting at the overwhelming complexity of life and the future. The future is described as a place 'about 70 miles east of here,' a vague yet specific distance that adds to the song's dreamlike quality. This part of the song suggests a journey, both literal and metaphorical, towards a place where things might be clearer or lighter. The mention of satellites and a 'sky-blue sky' evokes a sense of vastness and possibility, contrasting with the mundane opening scene.

The final part of the song takes the form of a postcard, a personal message filled with gratitude and a sense of urgency. The repeated thanks for various small gestures create a sense of intimacy and connection, while the closing lines introduce a sudden, almost jarring shift in tone. The feeling of being in a 'burning building' and needing to leave immediately adds a layer of existential anxiety, suggesting that despite the moments of connection and gratitude, there is an underlying sense of urgency and impermanence. This duality captures the essence of human experience, blending the mundane with the profound, the known with the unknown, and the serene with the chaotic.