Hang On To Your IQ

Placebo's 'Hang On To Your IQ' delves into the complexities of identity and the struggle to maintain one's sanity in a chaotic world. The song opens with vivid imagery of a 'Chinese masseuse' and 'plastic Venus,' suggesting a sense of artificiality and superficiality in the protagonist's surroundings. The mention of 'two rubbers, two lubes, and a silver rocket' hints at a hedonistic lifestyle, possibly as a means to escape from deeper emotional or existential issues.

The recurring chorus, 'Hang on to your IQ, to your ID,' serves as a mantra, urging the listener to hold on to their intelligence and sense of self amidst the chaos. This plea for mental and emotional stability is juxtaposed with the protagonist's admission of loneliness, repeated multiple times throughout the song. The loneliness seems to be a driving force behind the protagonist's actions, leading them to seek solace in temporary highs and distractions.

The lyrics also touch on the protagonist's daily routine, where getting high is a necessity before facing the outside world. This dependency on substances to cope with reality further emphasizes the fragility of their mental state. The lines 'Legs eleven makes me stay up late' and 'Two fat ladies on my back and now it's 88' use bingo terminology to illustrate the randomness and unpredictability of life, adding to the sense of disorientation. The self-deprecating line 'I'm a fool whose tool is small' underscores feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, contributing to the overall theme of struggling to maintain one's identity and sanity.

Placebo, known for their alternative rock sound and often dark, introspective lyrics, use 'Hang On To Your IQ' to explore themes of identity, loneliness, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The song's raw honesty and vivid imagery make it a poignant reflection on the human condition.