T.V. Man

The Bolshoi's song "T.V. Man" delves into the life of an individual who is deeply engrossed in television, to the point where it shapes his identity and worldview. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who starts his day with the television, relying on it for entertainment, guidance, and even a sense of self-worth. The repeated references to "Dirty Harry" and other iconic TV characters suggest that the protagonist sees himself as a hero in his own right, albeit one whose reality is heavily influenced by the fictional worlds he consumes.

The song uses metaphors and vivid imagery to highlight the protagonist's escapism. Phrases like "ride high without a saddle" and "down the rapids on a boat without a paddle" evoke a sense of adventure and danger, but these are all experienced vicariously through the television screen. The protagonist's life seems to lack real substance or direction, as indicated by his interactions with the outside world, such as the ominous knock at the door, which he chooses to ignore or dismiss.

The chorus, with its chant of "one two three, hail T.V.," underscores the almost religious devotion the protagonist has to his television. This devotion is so strong that he believes he has "all the angels eating out of [his] hand," a metaphor for the control and satisfaction he feels from his TV-induced fantasies. However, the song also hints at the emptiness of this existence, as the protagonist admits to having "good, bad, and ugly traits" and acknowledges that even his heroes, like Dirty Harry, make mistakes. This admission adds a layer of vulnerability and realism to the otherwise fantastical narrative, suggesting that the protagonist is aware, on some level, of the limitations and flaws in his chosen form of escapism.