Everything is Everything
Phoenix
The Chaos of Modern Life: A Dive into Phoenix's 'Everything is Everything'
Phoenix's song 'Everything is Everything' delves into the complexities and chaos of modern life, capturing a sense of helplessness and confusion. The lyrics reflect a struggle with change, as the singer acknowledges that things are going to change, but not necessarily for the better. This sense of impending doom is coupled with a feeling of hopelessness, as the singer admits to not fully understanding what these changes mean for them. The repetition of the word 'hopeless' underscores a deep-seated anxiety about the future and a lack of control over one's circumstances.
The chorus, 'Everything is everything, the more I talk about it, the less I do control,' highlights the paradox of overthinking and the illusion of control. The more the singer tries to make sense of their situation, the more they realize how little control they actually have. This is further emphasized by the line, 'Can't understand a word, half of the stuff I'm sayin,' which suggests a disconnect between thoughts and actions, and a struggle to articulate one's feelings and experiences.
The imagery of 'riding low, riding faster' evokes a sense of urgency and a frantic pace of life. It reflects the pressure to keep up with societal expectations and the consequences of pursuing one's desires. The line, 'This is what you want; this is what you get instead,' suggests a disillusionment with the outcomes of one's efforts and the gap between expectations and reality. Ultimately, 'Everything is Everything' captures the existential angst of navigating a world that feels increasingly out of control, where the pursuit of meaning and understanding often leads to more questions than answers.