Flash Delirium

MGMT's 'Flash Delirium' is a kaleidoscopic exploration of modern life's chaos and the search for meaning amidst the noise. The song opens with a sense of mild apprehension and blank dreams, setting the stage for a journey through distorted realities and existential musings. The lyrics suggest a struggle to find stability and purpose, with lines like 'Climbing a tree with a missing limb / And not saving anyone' highlighting the futility and pain of certain efforts. The recurring theme of 'flash' serves as a metaphor for sudden, fleeting moments of clarity or realization that disrupt the monotony of daily life.

The song's imagery is rich and surreal, with references to mirror balls, white lilies, and collapsing halls. These elements create a dreamlike atmosphere, emphasizing the disorienting nature of contemporary existence. The line 'Plants / As far as I know are still, / Still bending toward the light' suggests a natural inclination towards growth and hope, even in the face of adversity. The chorus, 'Flash delirium,' encapsulates the song's essence: a state of confusion and euphoria brought on by the rapid pace of change and the bombardment of sensory information.

MGMT also critiques societal norms and the superficiality of modern culture. Lines like 'You'll never be as good as the Rolling Stones' and 'Stab your Facebook / Sell sell sell' reflect a disillusionment with fame, consumerism, and social media. The song's closing verses, with their references to 'mass adulation,' 'poisoned honey,' and 'pseudo science,' underscore the emptiness and absurdity of chasing hollow ideals. Despite the chaos, the song ends on a note of resilience, with the narrator standing by their 'pillar of hope and trust,' suggesting that even in a world of flash delirium, there is still room for faith and perseverance.