Era Vulgaris

Queens Of The Stone Age's 'Era Vulgaris' delves into the disillusionment and superficiality of contemporary life. The song's title, which translates to 'Common Era' in Latin, sets the stage for a critique of modern society. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where genuine emotions and connections are overshadowed by a facade of appearances and materialism. The repeated desire to 'look like I'm dead' and 'dancing on the string' suggests a sense of being controlled or manipulated, perhaps by societal expectations or media influences.

The chorus, 'Everybody else want to fall in love, there's no room for love in a modern sky,' underscores the theme of emotional emptiness. In an age dominated by technology and superficial interactions, the song suggests that true love and meaningful connections are becoming increasingly rare. The imagery of 'drooling in the dark' while staring at the lights evokes a sense of mindless consumption and passive existence, where people are more engaged with screens and artificial lights than with each other.

The song also touches on the idea of repetition and monotony in modern life. The line 'Are we creatures helplessly attacking repetition over, over' questions whether people are trapped in a cycle of repetitive, meaningless actions. The mention of major cities like London, Tokyo, and New York City highlights the global nature of this modern malaise. Despite the vastness and diversity of these cities, the song suggests that the same sense of emptiness and lack of love pervades everywhere. 'Era Vulgaris' serves as a poignant commentary on the superficiality and emotional void of contemporary society, urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.