Don't Talk About It

Tove Lo's 'Don't Talk About It' delves into the superficiality and hidden darkness of a glamorous lifestyle. The song paints a vivid picture of a world filled with 'golden tables, broken mirrors, naked girls,' and 'piles of paper,' symbolizing wealth and hedonism. The lyrics suggest a life where appearances are everything, and the pursuit of pleasure is paramount. However, beneath the surface, there's a sense of emptiness and a desperate need to 'sweep it under the rug.' This phrase, repeated throughout the song, underscores the theme of ignoring deeper issues and maintaining a facade of perfection.

The chorus emphasizes the collective silence and complicity in this lifestyle. 'If you're sitting with us then you're in too' implies that once you're part of this world, you must adhere to its unspoken rules. The 'medallion blinding your mind' is a metaphor for the distractions and illusions that come with wealth and status, preventing individuals from seeing the reality of their situation. The 'highs you get in between the lines of a life you don't need' speaks to the fleeting moments of pleasure that mask a deeper dissatisfaction.

Tove Lo's lyrics also touch on the anxiety and pressure to maintain this perfect image. 'Pretty faces put in place to match the scenery' and 'take our pics, it's like a fix for your anxiety' highlight the performative nature of this lifestyle. The repeated line 'the world is beautiful, so why don't you feel anything?' questions the hollowness that often accompanies a life focused solely on external validation. The song ultimately critiques the emptiness of a life built on superficial values and the collective denial that sustains it.