Rockmaker

Toto's song 'Rockmaker' delves into the disillusionment and existential questioning that often accompany the pursuit of success and recognition. The lyrics open with a sense of estrangement and confusion, as the narrator hasn't seen someone in 'seven ages' and wonders if they are even recognizable anymore. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of identity and the passage of time, suggesting that the pursuit of fame or success can lead to a loss of self.

The recurring line 'And you think it's real, but it's just another future deal' serves as a poignant metaphor for the empty promises and fleeting nature of success. The narrator realizes that what they have been striving for might not be as fulfilling as they had hoped. The phrase 'sitting on a little shelf' evokes an image of being put aside or forgotten, highlighting the transient nature of fame and the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled aspirations.

The chorus, with its repetitive invocation of 'rockmaker,' can be interpreted as a critique of the music industry or any field where individuals are molded and marketed for profit. The term 'rockmaker' suggests a factory-like process of creating stars, stripping away their individuality in favor of a marketable image. This ties back to the earlier themes of identity and disillusionment, as the narrator grapples with the realization that their efforts may have been in vain, leaving them feeling like mere products on a shelf.

Toto, known for their blend of rock, pop, and jazz influences, often infuses their music with complex themes and sophisticated arrangements. 'Rockmaker' is no exception, offering a reflective and somewhat melancholic take on the pursuit of success and the personal cost it can entail.