The Less I Know The Better
Tame Impala
Navigating Heartache with Tame Impala's 'The Less I Know The Better'
Tame Impala's 'The Less I Know The Better' is a psychedelic journey through the complexities of unrequited love and the pain of seeing a desired partner with someone else. The song, with its catchy bassline and dreamy synths, is a standout track from the Australian musical project's third studio album, 'Currents', released in 2015. Tame Impala, primarily the work of multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker, is known for blending elements of psychedelic rock, pop, and electronica to create a unique and immersive sound.
The lyrics of 'The Less I Know The Better' tell the story of someone who is struggling to come to terms with the fact that the person they are infatuated with is involved with another man named Trevor. The title itself suggests a coping mechanism; the less the protagonist knows about the relationship between his love interest and Trevor, the better he can manage his own feelings. The song captures the internal dialogue of someone trying to rationalize their emotions and the situation, oscillating between hope and resignation.
The song's narrative is filled with emotional turmoil and a sense of longing. The protagonist is advised to move on and consider other romantic prospects, like Heather, but his fixation on his love interest makes this difficult. The lines 'Oh my love, can't you see yourself by my side?' and 'Don't suppose we could convince your lover to change his mind' reflect a deep yearning for a different reality where they could be together. The mention of Superman and the 'stupid line' could be interpreted as a sarcastic remark about the futility of grand romantic gestures in the face of unreciprocated feelings. Ultimately, the song resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of loving someone they cannot have.