Pictures of Success

Rilo Kiley's song 'Pictures of Success' delves into the complexities of modern life, the pursuit of success, and the inevitability of mortality. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is grappling with societal expectations and personal aspirations. The opening lines, 'Build your own television receiver / Staying home can't be that bad for me,' suggest a desire for self-sufficiency and a retreat from the chaos of the outside world. This sentiment is juxtaposed with the acknowledgment of the relentless march of time and the pressure to achieve, as seen in the lines, 'But I'd like some extra spare time / Easily earn me big money.' The protagonist is caught in a tug-of-war between the comfort of isolation and the demands of a capitalist society.

The recurring theme of death in the song serves as a stark reminder of life's impermanence. Lines like 'When you're dead / In hospitals and freeways' and 'When you're dead / In resting homes and clinics' highlight the various mundane and often overlooked places where life comes to an end. This repetition underscores the inevitability of death, regardless of one's achievements or failures. The protagonist's frustration is palpable in the lines, 'I've had it with you / And Mexico can fucking wait,' indicating a sense of disillusionment with the pursuit of external validation and the superficial aspects of success.

The chorus, 'They say California is a recipe for a black hole / And I say I've got my best shoes on / I'm ready to go,' captures a sense of readiness to face whatever comes next, despite the uncertainties and challenges. The repeated phrase 'Ready to go' serves as a mantra, emphasizing a readiness to confront life's unpredictability head-on. The closing lines, 'These are times that can't be weathered and / We have never been back there since then,' reflect a sense of irrevocable change and the passage of time. The song ultimately portrays a nuanced exploration of the human condition, balancing the desire for success with the acceptance of life's transient nature.