Is This It

The Strokes The Strokes

The Existential Ennui of 'Is This It' by The Strokes

The song 'Is This It' by The Strokes encapsulates a sense of existential ennui and the search for meaning in the modern world. The lyrics convey a narrative of someone who has gone through the motions to achieve a goal — in this case, getting to someone's apartment — only to question the purpose of it all once the objective is achieved. The repeated line 'Is this it?' serves as a haunting refrain that echoes the protagonist's internal conflict and dissatisfaction.

The song also touches on themes of deception and disillusionment. The protagonist admits to lying just to get closer to someone, which suggests a deeper longing for connection or perhaps a critique of the superficial relationships that can arise in a disconnected society. The mention of 'stable children trying hard not to realize' hints at a collective denial or avoidance of confronting the more profound issues at hand, possibly reflecting on the complacency of youth or society at large.

The interpersonal dynamics described in the song suggest a struggle to find common ground. The lines 'We're not enemies / We just disagree' and 'I think we should disagree' imply a resignation to the idea that not all conflicts can be resolved, and that sometimes acknowledging differences is the only way forward. This sentiment is wrapped in the broader theme of questioning life's purpose, making 'Is This It' a resonant anthem for those grappling with the complexities of existence and human relationships.

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  1. Call It Fate, Call It Karma
  2. Selfless
  3. Ode To The Mets
  4. Hard To Explain
  5. Not The Same Anymore
  6. The Adults Are Talking
  7. Reptilia
  8. Is This It
  9. Under Cover Of Darkness
  10. Under Control
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