Princeton Review

Team Sleep's song "Princeton Review" delves into the complexities of past experiences and the lingering effects they have on the present. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of liberation and entrapment, creating a dichotomy that reflects the internal struggle of the narrator. The opening lines, "I liberate the cold inside," suggest an attempt to free oneself from emotional numbness, yet the repetition of "same guy, same guy" hints at a recurring pattern or identity that the narrator cannot escape. This duality is further emphasized by the imagery of a "bad scene" and a "black seed," symbolizing negative experiences that have been internalized and continue to fester.

The chorus, with its repetition of "Unfamiliar, unremorseful, that's the way you were," speaks to a relationship or situation marked by a lack of understanding and regret. The narrator's reluctance to revisit these memories—"Don't want to bring it up again"—indicates a desire to move forward, yet the past remains a haunting presence. This is reinforced by the lines, "You raise questions of me, you haunt sections of town," suggesting that the unresolved issues continue to affect the narrator's life and surroundings.

The song also touches on themes of confusion and miscommunication, as seen in the lines, "Be this or not I know I don't understand, How this is appropriate." This reflects a struggle to make sense of past actions and their consequences. The repeated phrase, "And so we freeze," encapsulates the paralysis that comes from being unable to reconcile these conflicting emotions and experiences. Team Sleep's atmospheric soundscape, characterized by ethereal melodies and haunting vocals, perfectly complements the introspective and melancholic tone of the lyrics, making "Princeton Review" a poignant exploration of the enduring impact of past choices.