Preoccupied

Mac DeMarco's song 'Preoccupied' delves into the pervasive sense of distraction and disconnection that characterizes modern life. The lyrics paint a picture of individuals who are so consumed by their own preoccupations that they fail to engage meaningfully with the world around them. The opening lines, 'Passin' around, you blacken your body / No conversation to ease up your mind,' suggest a cycle of self-destructive behavior and a lack of genuine communication. This imagery evokes a sense of isolation and a yearning for deeper connections that remain unfulfilled.

The recurring refrain, 'Preoccupied, and nobody's hiding it,' underscores the universality of this condition. It's not just an individual problem but a societal one, where everyone is openly distracted and disengaged. The repetition of the word 'preoccupied' emphasizes how entrenched this state of being has become. DeMarco's use of the phrase 'nobody's hiding it' suggests a collective acknowledgment of this issue, yet there seems to be a resignation to it rather than a call to action.

In the lines, 'Open your mind, filled it with bullshit / Locked up your heart, without even knowing it,' DeMarco critiques the superficiality that often fills our thoughts and the emotional barriers we erect, sometimes unconsciously. The mention of 'the days that we're living in' points to a broader cultural critique, highlighting how contemporary society fosters this preoccupation. The song serves as a poignant reflection on the ways in which modern life can lead to a sense of emptiness and disconnection, urging listeners to become more aware of their own preoccupations and the impact they have on their lives and relationships.