Weekend Wars

MGMT's song "Weekend Wars" delves into the chaotic and often contradictory nature of modern life, particularly focusing on the disillusionment and escapism that many people experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is caught between the mundanity of everyday life and the desire for something more meaningful. The opening lines, "Evil S I yes to find a shore, A beach that doesn't quiver anymore," suggest a search for stability and peace in a world that is constantly in flux. This quest for tranquility is juxtaposed with the protagonist's admission of laziness and apathy, as seen in the lines, "Was I? I was too lazy to bathe Or paint or write or try to make a change." This contrast highlights the internal struggle between the desire for change and the inertia that often prevents it.

The song also explores themes of violence and survival, with lines like "Now I can shoot a gun to kill my lunch And I don't have to love or think too much." This imagery suggests a regression to a more primal state, where basic survival takes precedence over emotional and intellectual pursuits. The mention of "makeshift bombs" and "mental mystics in a twisted metal car" further emphasizes the chaotic and destructive tendencies that can arise when people are pushed to their limits. The protagonist's role as a "weekend warrior" implies a temporary escape from the monotony of daily life, but it also suggests a deeper, underlying dissatisfaction that cannot be easily resolved.

The recurring motif of amplifying "the sound of light and love" serves as a counterpoint to the darker themes in the song. It suggests that despite the chaos and disillusionment, there is still a yearning for something pure and transcendent. The protagonist's self-awareness is evident in lines like "I'm a curse and I'm a sound, When I open up my mouth, There's a reason I don't win, I don't know how to begin." This acknowledgment of personal flaws and limitations adds a layer of vulnerability to the character, making the song's exploration of existential angst all the more poignant.