Dancing In Babylon (feat. Christine and the Queens)

MGMT's 'Dancing In Babylon (feat. Christine and the Queens)' is a poignant exploration of love, confusion, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. The song opens with a scene on the street, where the protagonist is captivated by someone moving to the beat. This moment of connection is fleeting and ambiguous, leaving the protagonist questioning whether it was a genuine flash of love or merely a distraction. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggle to find clarity.

The chorus introduces the metaphor of 'Dancing in Babylon,' a reference to the ancient city known for its decadence and eventual downfall. This imagery suggests a sense of being lost in a world of excess and confusion, where the characters are like 'fish in the lobby, dead and gone.' The use of 'fish in the lobby' evokes a sense of being out of place and struggling to survive in an environment that is not conducive to their well-being. The protagonist's desire to 'clear the air by Monday' and the mention of tanks imply a longing for peace and resolution in a tumultuous situation.

The song also touches on themes of escapism and the desire for freedom. The line 'Two ships in the night, quietly signaling from the bow' evokes a sense of missed connections and the longing for a simpler time when one could 'run away and nobody had to know.' This sense of nostalgia is contrasted with the present reality, where the protagonist feels trapped and hurt but still drawn to the person who caused the pain. The repeated declaration of 'I love you' at the end of the song underscores the complexity of these emotions, highlighting the tension between love and the desire for liberation.