Razzmatazz

Pulp's song 'Razzmatazz' is a biting critique of superficiality and the empty promises of a glamorous lifestyle. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who once thrived on the excitement of nightlife and social status but now finds themselves in a state of disillusionment and despair. The term 'razzmatazz' itself, which refers to elaborate or showy activity or display designed to attract attention, serves as a metaphor for the hollow nature of the protagonist's previous lifestyle.

The song opens with a series of personal attacks, highlighting the dysfunctional relationships within the protagonist's family. This sets the stage for the main narrative, which revolves around the protagonist's fall from grace. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist's life was once filled with excitement and social engagements, but now they are left alone, dealing with the consequences of their choices. The repeated line, 'no-one's gonna care, if you don't call them when you said,' underscores the protagonist's growing isolation and the realization that their social circle was as superficial as their lifestyle.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of schadenfreude from the narrator, who seems to take a perverse pleasure in the protagonist's downfall. This adds a layer of complexity to the song, as it not only critiques the protagonist's lifestyle but also questions the motives and morality of those who judge them. The imagery of the protagonist 'sitting at home eating boxes of Milk Tray' and 'waiting for a test at the doctor's' further emphasizes their descent into a mundane and lonely existence. The song ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of living a life based on appearances and the fleeting nature of superficial happiness.