Five Years

Placebo's rendition of 'Five Years' is a haunting and evocative song that delves into the human psyche when faced with the impending doom of the planet. The song opens with a vivid scene of a market square filled with mothers sighing, setting a somber tone. The news of Earth having only five years left to live is delivered by a weeping newsman, whose genuine sorrow underscores the gravity of the situation. This apocalyptic announcement serves as the catalyst for the song's exploration of human reactions to existential dread.

The lyrics paint a chaotic and overwhelming picture of the world as the narrator's mind becomes a warehouse, struggling to store the flood of memories and sensory experiences. The mention of various people—fat, skinny, tall, short, nobody, and somebody—highlights the diversity and commonality of human experience, emphasizing that everyone is affected by the looming catastrophe. The imagery of a girl losing her sanity and a soldier with a broken arm staring into the wheels of a Cadillac further illustrates the breakdown of societal norms and the pervasive sense of despair.

Amidst the chaos, the narrator experiences a moment of personal reflection, recalling a loved one in an ice cream parlor. This memory serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and simplicity of life, contrasting sharply with the surrounding turmoil. The recurring refrain of 'five years' underscores the limited time left, creating a sense of urgency and inevitability. The song's conclusion, with its repetition of 'five years,' leaves the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy and contemplation about the fragility of existence and the preciousness of time.