They don't believe

Russian Red's song 'They Don't Believe' paints a vivid picture of urban life, highlighting the disconnection and confusion that often accompany it. The lyrics describe scenes of people walking instead of taking cabs, ignoring traffic lights, and getting run over at petrol stations. These images suggest a chaotic and disordered environment where societal norms and structures are disregarded. The repetition of 'They don't believe in cabs' and 'They don't believe in lights' emphasizes a collective skepticism or disillusionment with conventional systems and routines.

The song also touches on themes of loneliness and the search for meaning. The man singing to the streetlights and the people clapping for him represent a moment of connection and shared experience in an otherwise isolating cityscape. However, this moment is fleeting, and the lyrics return to the idea of people walking alone, taking the subway from their homes to their lonely nights. This juxtaposition highlights the transient nature of human connection in the urban environment and the underlying sense of solitude that persists.

Russian Red, the stage name of Spanish singer-songwriter Lourdes Hernández, is known for her introspective and often melancholic lyrics. Her music blends folk and indie pop elements, creating a sound that is both haunting and beautiful. 'They Don't Believe' is a reflection of her ability to capture the complexities of modern life, exploring themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the fleeting nature of human connection. The song's repetitive structure and evocative imagery invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of urban life and the search for meaning within it.