My Bag

Lloyd Cole's song 'My Bag' is a vivid portrayal of a life steeped in chaos, indulgence, and a touch of existential reflection. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist navigating through a whirlwind of experiences, from the surreal imagery of '20 storey non stop snow storm' to the hedonistic scenes of 'Pirrelli calendar girls wrestling in body lotion.' This opening sets the tone for a narrative that oscillates between the glamorous and the gritty, capturing the essence of a life lived on the edge.

The song delves into themes of love, or rather the absence of it, with the line 'What about love? I don’t let that stuff in my house.' This suggests a deliberate choice to prioritize a fast-paced, pleasure-seeking lifestyle over emotional connections. The protagonist's world is expanding, yet there's a sense of deterioration, as indicated by 'My world’s getting bigger as my eyesight gets worse.' This could symbolize the growing complexity and perhaps the increasing disillusionment with life as one ages.

Throughout the song, there's a recurring motif of self-awareness and defiance. The protagonist repeatedly asserts, 'Lord have mercy I know what I’m doing,' indicating a conscious embrace of their lifestyle, despite its pitfalls. The need for a 'fire escape and an open window' suggests a desire for freedom and escape from the pressures and expectations of society. The song's chorus, 'What’s your bag?' serves as a rhetorical question, challenging listeners to reflect on their own lives and choices.

The imagery of 'whisky and wine,' 'wild mushrooms,' and 'prohibition' evokes a sense of rebellion and indulgence, further emphasizing the protagonist's commitment to living life on their own terms. The repeated plea for 'more' underscores a relentless pursuit of satisfaction, even if it means suffering for one's art. In essence, 'My Bag' is a complex exploration of the human condition, marked by a blend of hedonism, self-awareness, and a quest for meaning in a chaotic world.