Devil's Advocate

The Neighbourhood's 'Devil's Advocate' is a song that delves into themes of personal change, societal expectations, and the internal struggle between good and evil. The lyrics suggest a transformation or a desire to change one's lifestyle, as indicated by the swapping of materialistic and hedonistic symbols (a whip for a bike, designer clothes for Nikes, a stripper for a wife) for more modest and stable choices. This shift reflects a yearning for simplicity and authenticity over superficiality and excess.

The chorus, 'I'm the devil's advocate, you don't know the half of it,' implies a deeper complexity to the narrator's character and decisions. The term 'devil's advocate' traditionally means someone who presents a counterargument or takes a position they do not necessarily agree with, for the sake of debate. In this context, it could mean that the narrator is challenging the norms or playing a role that may not fully align with their true self. The line 'If a God is a dog, and a man is a fraud, then I'm a lost cause' suggests disillusionment with religious, moral, or societal structures, feeling like an outcast within them.

The Neighbourhood is known for their moody and atmospheric music, often exploring themes of love, life's hardships, and existential angst. 'Devil's Advocate' continues this trend, with a laid-back yet introspective tone that invites listeners to ponder the complexities of identity and the pressures to conform to societal norms. The song's narrative is a reflection on personal growth and the struggle to find one's place in a world filled with contradictions and expectations.