Savages
That Handsome Devil
The Modern Malaise: A Critique of Consumer Culture in 'Savages'
In 'Savages,' That Handsome Devil delves into the existential void of modern consumer culture. The song opens with a seemingly mundane scene of ordering a frappuccino, juxtaposed with scrolling through social media, highlighting the superficiality and emptiness of these activities. The lyrics quickly escalate to a broader critique, describing humanity as being 'at war with every species,' a metaphor for our destructive tendencies and disconnection from nature. The repeated phrases 'Peace, love, high five, free wi-fi' and 'Veni vidi vici' (I came, I saw, I conquered) underscore the irony of our so-called progress, which often leads to more conflict and isolation rather than genuine connection and peace.
The chorus reveals a deep sense of numbness and a desperate search for something to fill the emotional void. The protagonist is looking for anything—whether it's a product to buy or a drug to take—that can make the emptiness go away. This reflects a broader societal issue where consumerism is often seen as a quick fix for deeper emotional and psychological problems. The repetition of 'Somebody sell me something' and 'Somebody tell me something' emphasizes the desperation and the futile search for meaning in material possessions and superficial interactions.
The term 'savages' is used to describe modern humans, critiquing how we are at war with 'ratios and averages,' 'government establishments,' and 'coloring and additives.' This suggests a conflict with the artificial constructs and regulations that govern our lives, further alienating us from our true selves and each other. The song ends on a note of confusion and disillusionment, questioning the effectiveness of modern 'solutions' like yoga and recycling in truly addressing the deeper issues at hand. The repeated line 'I don't understand' encapsulates the bewilderment and frustration of living in a world where genuine connection and fulfillment seem increasingly out of reach.