Cheap And Cheerful (Sebastian Remix)

The Kills' song 'Cheap And Cheerful (Sebastian Remix)' is a raw and rebellious anthem that delves into the desire for a life filled with intensity and unpredictability. The lyrics express a profound boredom with the mundane and predictable aspects of life, symbolized by the phrase 'cheap & cheerful.' Instead, the narrator craves 'expensive sadness,' a metaphor for experiences that are emotionally rich and complex, even if they come with pain and chaos. This longing for depth and intensity is further emphasized by references to 'hospital bills' and 'parole,' suggesting a willingness to embrace the darker, more tumultuous sides of life.

The repeated plea for someone to be 'crazy' rather than 'boring' or 'sane' highlights a rejection of conventional norms and a desire for authenticity and raw emotion. The narrator finds sanity and normalcy to be synonymous with stupidity and dullness, advocating instead for a life lived on the edge. This theme is reinforced by the line 'love is just a dialog,' which critiques superficial relationships and the emptiness of routine interactions. The comparison of human needs to those of a dog underscores the primal, instinctual desires that drive the narrator's quest for a more intense existence.

The song's chorus, with its repetitive and insistent demand for craziness, serves as a rallying cry for those who feel stifled by societal expectations. The acceptance of meanness as 'alright' further challenges conventional morality, suggesting that breaking free from societal constraints may require embracing aspects of oneself that are typically suppressed. The Kills, known for their gritty and raw musical style, use this song to capture the essence of rebellion and the pursuit of a life that is anything but ordinary.