Academia

Sia's song 'Academia' is a poetic exploration of the complexities of love and intellectualism. The lyrics are rich with metaphors that intertwine academic concepts with emotional experiences, creating a unique narrative that speaks to the heart and mind. The song opens with the lines, 'You can be my alphabet and I will be your calculator,' setting the stage for a relationship where logic and emotion are in constant interplay. The imagery of running up a down escalator and measuring footsteps suggests a sense of striving and effort, highlighting the challenges inherent in understanding and connecting with another person.

The chorus, 'Oh academia you can't pick me up, soothe me with your words when I need your love,' reflects a longing for emotional support that intellectual pursuits alone cannot provide. Sia uses the metaphor of academia to represent a partner who is intellectually stimulating but emotionally distant. The juxtaposition of being a 'dash' and a 'dot' or a 'binary code' cracked long ago underscores feelings of being undervalued and misunderstood. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and yearning, as the speaker grapples with the emotional void left by a partner who is more focused on intellectual achievements than on nurturing the relationship.

In the latter part of the song, Sia delves deeper into the emotional arithmetic of the relationship. Phrases like 'a difficult equation with a knack for heart evasion' and 'the pen has over analysed again' suggest that overthinking and intellectualization have overshadowed genuine emotional connection. The repeated line, 'And if I am a number I'm infinity plus one,' emphasizes the speaker's desire to be seen as unique and irreplaceable. Ultimately, 'Academia' is a poignant reflection on the limitations of intellectualism in matters of the heart, and the need for emotional intimacy and understanding in a relationship.