Future Reflections

MGMT's song 'Future Reflections' is a kaleidoscopic journey through time, memory, and existential musings. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where the past, present, and future intermingle, creating a sense of both nostalgia and anticipation. The opening lines, 'And there were future reflections / On the face and the hands,' suggest a contemplation of time and identity, as if the narrator is seeing glimpses of what is to come while being rooted in the present. The imagery of a 'green colored island' and 'primitive man' evokes a sense of returning to origins, perhaps hinting at a cyclical nature of human existence.

The song delves deeper into themes of loss and rediscovery. The line 'There was a feeling the spirit was leaving / Red like a marker' conveys a sense of departure and the marking of significant moments. The act of 'cutting the heart from a lonely life' with a knife symbolizes a drastic change or a severing of ties with a past self. This transformation is further explored through the metaphor of floorboards changing from oak to cedar, indicating a shift in perspective or understanding. The narrator's journey 'into the forest with the young ones' suggests a quest for renewal or enlightenment, even if the outcome is uncertain.

The chorus, 'But as long as you feel it / I'm a believer,' underscores the importance of emotional connection and belief in the face of uncertainty. The imagery of the 'sea rolls and death tolls' juxtaposes the vastness of nature with the finality of life, urging the listener to break through the surface of their fears and doubts. The song concludes with a reflection on solitude and the passage of time, 'And remember what it felt like / To be alone / Sitting in the sunlight / All alone,' capturing a moment of introspection and the bittersweet beauty of being present in one's own company. MGMT's 'Future Reflections' is a rich tapestry of metaphors and emotions, inviting listeners to ponder their own place in the continuum of time.