Poster Child

Retrofile's 'Poster Child' delves into the complexities of modern life, focusing on the struggle for identity and the desire to escape from societal pressures. The song opens with a reflection on the difficulty of life, suggesting that if solutions were easy, everyone would have figured them out by now. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal and collective struggles, symbolized by 'pictures,' 'posters,' and 'problems' on the wall. These images represent the burdens and expectations that individuals carry, often publicly displayed but rarely understood.

The recurring theme of 'working harder' and 'waiting for a good chance' highlights the relentless pursuit of success and validation. The lyrics suggest that people are constantly striving to distance themselves from their problems, yet they often end up feeling like victims or martyrs in the process. This cycle of effort and frustration is a poignant commentary on the pressures of modern life, where the quest for achievement can lead to a sense of entrapment rather than fulfillment.

The song also touches on the futility of change, with lines like 'the words aren't changing' and 'all our plans and our rearranging.' This suggests a sense of stagnation, where despite efforts to alter one's circumstances, the underlying issues remain the same. The repeated plea to 'get me out of here' underscores a deep-seated desire for escape, not just from physical surroundings but from the emotional and psychological weight of unfulfilled expectations. Retrofile's 'Poster Child' is a powerful reflection on the human condition, capturing the tension between aspiration and reality, and the ongoing struggle to find meaning and relief in a demanding world.