100%

Sonic Youth's song '100%' is a raw and emotional exploration of love, loss, and the chaotic energy of youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship, marked by intense emotions and tragic events. The opening lines, 'I can never forget you / The way you rock the girls,' suggest a deep admiration for someone who had a significant impact on the narrator's life. This person is described as a charismatic figure who had a powerful influence on those around them, particularly women.

The song takes a darker turn with the lines, 'But now that you've been shot dead / I got a new surprise.' This sudden shift introduces a theme of violence and loss, hinting at the tragic fate of the person being remembered. The narrator grapples with the aftermath of this loss, contemplating revenge and the futility of it all. The line, 'Can you forgive the boy who shot you in the head / Or should you get a gun and go and get revenge,' captures the internal conflict between forgiveness and the desire for retribution.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of disillusionment with the world, as seen in the lines, 'I've been around the world a million times / And all you men are slime.' This cynicism is juxtaposed with a lingering sense of love and loyalty, encapsulated in the refrain, 'A hundred percent of my love up to you, true star.' The song ultimately reflects the complexities of human emotions, blending themes of love, loss, anger, and disillusionment into a powerful and evocative narrative.