Slow Animals

The Strokes' song 'Slow Animals' delves into the complexities of generational fears and misunderstandings, particularly focusing on the anxieties parents have about their daughters. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman who is under constant scrutiny and judgment, not just from her parents but from society at large. The repeated lines about the next generation forgetting where their daughters have been or who they might be with highlight a cyclical pattern of concern and control that transcends time. This suggests a perpetual state of worry that parents have about their children's safety and choices, especially when it comes to their daughters' interactions with men.

The song also touches on the theme of public perception and the pressure to conform. The lines 'You don't have to be so down / Everyone can hear you in this whole damn crowd' and 'You don't have to try so hard / I think they got the message, you were out of your mind' suggest a struggle with maintaining a facade or dealing with public judgment. This could be interpreted as a critique of societal expectations and the mental toll they take on individuals, especially young women who are often held to higher standards of behavior and appearance.

Furthermore, 'Slow Animals' explores the idea of misunderstanding and lack of communication between generations. The lyrics 'They're never gonna let you understand / Or show you what is to be a man' and 'You don't wanna sit down and think or hear / You don't think anyone is in your ear' reflect a disconnect between the older and younger generations. This gap in understanding can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, as the younger generation struggles to find their own identity while being constantly judged and misunderstood by their elders. The repeated hope that 'it's wrong' suggests a desire for these fears and misunderstandings to be unfounded, but also a recognition of their persistent presence.