Everything Now (continued)

Arcade Fire's song "Everything Now (continued)" delves into the modern-day obsession with materialism and the illusion of fulfillment it brings. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where every aspect of life is saturated with the need for more—more possessions, more information, more experiences. The repetition of the phrase "Everything Now" underscores the relentless pursuit of instant gratification and the emptiness that often accompanies it.

The song opens with a sense of despair, as the narrator finds themselves "in the black again," unable to escape the cycle of consumption. This sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which explore the various ways in which people try to fill the void in their lives. From the stars in the sky to the scars on the skin, every inch of existence is marked by this insatiable desire. The lines "every inch of space in your head / Is filled up with the things that you read" and "every film that you've ever seen / Fills the spaces up in your dreams" highlight how even our thoughts and dreams are cluttered with external influences.

The chorus, with its urgent plea to "stop pretending," calls out the facade of happiness that people often put on. The repeated declarations of needing, wanting, and not being able to live without "everything now" reveal the deep-seated anxiety and dissatisfaction that come with this lifestyle. The song also touches on the impact of this materialistic culture on family dynamics, as seen in the lines "daddy, how come you're never around?" and "Momma leave the food on the stove / Leave your car in the middle of the road." These lines suggest a breakdown of traditional family values and connections in the face of relentless consumerism.

In the end, the song circles back to the initial sense of despair, with the narrator still "in the black again," unable to escape the cycle. The final lines, "Every inch of space in my heart / Is filled with something I'll never start / The ashes of everything now," poignantly capture the ultimate emptiness and unfulfilled potential that come with the pursuit of material wealth. Arcade Fire's "Everything Now (continued)" serves as a powerful critique of modern society's obsession with having it all, urging listeners to reflect on what truly brings fulfillment and happiness.