Members Only

Nothing But Thieves' song 'Members Only' delves into the themes of exclusivity and social divides, using the metaphor of a 'members only' club to highlight the barriers that people face in society. The repeated phrase 'Sorry, sir, this is members only' serves as a stark reminder of the exclusionary practices that can be found in various aspects of life, from social circles to political arenas. The lyrics suggest a sense of frustration and resignation, as the protagonist is repeatedly told to 'make your way outside' and 'pick up your stuff in the morning,' indicating a lack of belonging and acceptance.

The song also touches on the impact of media and societal pressures, as seen in the lines 'Saw it online, started to blind your heart, now it's enshrined, given in to the dark.' This suggests that the protagonist's sense of self and values have been influenced and perhaps corrupted by external forces, leading to a loss of authenticity and individuality. The mention of 'tolerance dies when it's performative' further critiques the superficial nature of societal acceptance, where inclusivity is often just a facade rather than a genuine effort to embrace diversity.

The chorus, with its repeated lines 'Daylight over, roll up, lonely, ain't I told ya? Members only,' reinforces the theme of isolation and exclusion. The protagonist is left feeling lonely and disconnected, despite the constant advice from others to 'let it go.' This advice, however, seems hollow and unhelpful, as it fails to address the root causes of the protagonist's feelings of alienation. Through 'Members Only,' Nothing But Thieves effectively captures the emotional toll of societal exclusion and the superficiality of performative tolerance, urging listeners to reflect on the true meaning of acceptance and belonging.