Copycat

The Cranberries' song 'Copycat' is a sharp critique of societal conformity and the lack of originality in modern culture. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where people blindly follow trends without questioning their individuality. The repeated mention of an 'accident' that goes unnoticed symbolizes the collective ignorance towards the loss of uniqueness. This 'accident' could be interpreted as the moment when society started valuing conformity over creativity, leading to a homogenized culture where everyone 'plays the game' and 'sounds the same.'

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Copycat, copycat, copycat,' emphasizes the pervasive nature of this mimicry. The use of the word 'copy' multiple times in quick succession mimics the very act of copying, driving home the point that people are merely replicating each other without any original thought. The line 'Copy copy copy everyone else' serves as a stark reminder of how individuality is being sacrificed for the sake of fitting in.

In the second verse, the singer expresses a desire to break free from this cycle of imitation. 'I've got a great idea I will change things on my own' reflects a yearning for personal innovation and a clear vision that stands in contrast to the 'clones' around. The sadness associated with the radio, described as 'sad, sad, sad,' underscores the disappointment in mainstream media's role in perpetuating this lack of originality. The song ultimately serves as a call to action, urging listeners to embrace their unique identities rather than succumbing to societal pressures to conform.