WHITEWALL

Sub Urban's song 'WHITEWALL' delves into the dark and often disturbing aspects of fame and societal expectations. The lyrics paint a picture of a 'popular boy' who is trapped in a cycle of superficiality and mental turmoil. The opening lines, 'I'm a popular boy, got so many trophies / (Pull my string like a Ken doll),' suggest a life that is controlled and manipulated by external forces, much like a puppet. The reference to a 'Ken doll' implies a lack of genuine identity, reduced to a mere object of display and admiration.

The recurring theme of silence and forced communication is evident in the lines, 'When I talk, talk I don't ever talk, talk, talk / When you talk, talk, you can't help but talk, talk, talk.' This juxtaposition highlights the protagonist's internal struggle with expressing his true self versus the incessant chatter of those around him. The phrase 'masturbate to a white wall' is a stark metaphor for the emptiness and futility he feels, engaging in actions that bring no real satisfaction or meaning.

The song also touches on the concept of mental health and societal pressures. The lines 'Lock all my friends up in the asylum / When they all come back, they all just reset' suggest a cycle of mental breakdowns and temporary fixes, rather than addressing the root causes. The protagonist's refusal to 'plead crazy' and his awareness that 'they can't change me' indicate a resistance to conforming to societal norms and a recognition of his own unchangeable nature. The imagery of being a 'battery for your Matrix' further emphasizes the dehumanizing effect of living in a society that values productivity and conformity over individuality and mental well-being.

The song's haunting refrain, 'I'm so happy for you, I'm so happy for you,' drips with sarcasm, underscoring the protagonist's disillusionment with the superficial happiness of those around him. Sub Urban's 'WHITEWALL' is a powerful commentary on the dark side of popularity, the struggle for genuine self-expression, and the impact of societal pressures on mental health.