Alien Boy
Oliver Tree
The Outsider's Anthem: Oliver Tree's 'Alien Boy'
Oliver Tree's 'Alien Boy' is a vivid exploration of feeling like an outsider in a world that often feels alien. The song opens with the metaphor of falling down to Earth from a hundred miles away, immediately setting the tone for a narrative of displacement and alienation. This imagery suggests a sense of being out of place, as if the protagonist is not from this world, yet somehow manages to navigate it. The repeated line 'I still make it work' underscores a resilience despite the feeling that everything is 'overrated and somehow played out,' hinting at a sense of disillusionment with the mundane aspects of life.
The lyrics are rich with fantastical and almost grotesque imagery, such as 'teeth are sharp like the great white shark' and '7 spider eyes for every day of the week.' These lines paint a picture of a creature that is both fearsome and otherworldly, emphasizing the protagonist's sense of being different from those around him. The mention of working while others sleep further highlights a relentless drive and a feeling of isolation, as if the protagonist is on a different wavelength from the rest of humanity.
The chorus reinforces the theme of alienation, with the protagonist repeatedly stating that they 'fell down to Earth' and 'still make it work,' despite everything feeling overrated. The song's bridge, where the protagonist admits to being 'out here on my own,' adds a layer of vulnerability to the otherwise defiant tone. This admission of solitude and the acknowledgment that 'I won't be here long at all' suggests a transient existence, further emphasizing the feeling of not belonging. Oliver Tree's unique blend of alternative rock and electronic elements, combined with his eccentric persona, makes 'Alien Boy' a compelling anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite fit in.