In The Mood
The Weeknd
The Allure and Deception of Materialism in 'In The Mood' by The Weeknd
The Weeknd's song 'In The Mood' delves into the complex dynamics of a relationship driven by materialism and superficial desires. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is deeply entangled in a world of luxury and deceit. She is described as having 'a mouth full of lies' and 'a pocket full of cash,' indicating that her wealth and dishonesty are intertwined. The money she possesses blinds her, symbolized by her 'new eyelash,' suggesting that her vision of reality is obscured by her material possessions.
The song further explores the woman's insatiable appetite for luxury, as she cruises on planes with backstage passes and constantly shops for expensive items like a 'four thousand dollar watch.' Despite her apparent success and wealth, there is a sense of emptiness and lack of genuine connection. The Weeknd highlights this by contrasting her goals with his own; while he encourages her to take a shot at her dreams, she is more concerned with his financial status, asking him about 'the guap.' This disparity underscores the superficial nature of their relationship, where material wealth takes precedence over emotional depth.
The chorus emphasizes the woman's contradictory behavior. She claims not to like certain things, such as rap, chains, and fur, but she still engages with them, revealing her hypocrisy. The Weeknd's lyrics suggest that money is the primary motivator for her actions, as it 'gets her in the mood.' The song also touches on themes of trust and betrayal, with the woman searching through his tapes and lying to his face. Ultimately, 'In The Mood' is a critique of the hollow pursuit of materialism and the impact it has on personal relationships, highlighting the tension between genuine connection and superficial desires.