Mirror Kisses

The Cribs' song 'Mirror Kisses' offers a sharp critique of hipster culture, focusing on the superficiality and self-obsession often associated with it. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize that the 'hipster type' is not allowed to claim superiority or authenticity. This restriction is a direct jab at the pretentiousness that can sometimes be found within subcultures that pride themselves on being 'different' or 'better' than mainstream society. The phrase 'mirror kissing ways' is a vivid metaphor for narcissism, suggesting that these individuals are more concerned with their own image and self-perception than with genuine human connection or authenticity.

The song also touches on themes of alienation and disconnection. The lines 'You left me on the street, talking to drains / Cause you're not all there' paint a picture of someone who feels abandoned and ignored by a person too wrapped up in their own world to notice or care. This sense of being left behind or overlooked is a powerful commentary on how self-absorption can lead to the neglect of meaningful relationships. The repetition of 'You aren't allowed to say anything' further underscores the frustration and helplessness felt by those who are marginalized or dismissed by the so-called 'hipster type.'

In the latter part of the song, there's a shift in tone as the narrator asserts their own worth. The lines 'You like to tell yourself that I'm nobody / I think you must have known I'd make you sorry' suggest a sense of vindication and self-empowerment. This defiance serves as a counterpoint to the earlier feelings of alienation, indicating that the narrator refuses to be diminished by the superficial judgments of others. The Cribs use 'Mirror Kisses' to explore the complexities of identity, self-worth, and the often hollow nature of cultural elitism, making it a thought-provoking critique of modern social dynamics.