that life

Unknown Mortal Orchestra's song 'that life' paints a vivid picture of a lifestyle filled with both allure and chaos. The lyrics juxtapose images of luxury and decadence with moments of conflict and disarray. The opening lines set the scene with a 'girl in the bathroom' and references to substances like cocaine and tequila, hinting at a life of excess and escapism. The mention of 'certainties all away' suggests a sense of instability and unpredictability that comes with this lifestyle.

The song continues to explore this duality by describing serene moments like 'all day swimming, under the palm trees' and 'some kinda gin drink, some kinda jewelry,' which evoke a sense of leisure and opulence. However, these moments are contrasted with scenes of 'crying and quarreling' and the threat of police intervention, highlighting the underlying tension and volatility. The repeated refrain 'that life' serves as a reminder that this is a way of living that one is 'always gonna be about,' suggesting a sense of inevitability or entrapment.

The lyrics also delve into themes of beauty and decay, with phrases like 'morbid beauty, the skull of the school' and 'boiling tarmac, a hole in the hull.' These lines evoke a sense of fascination with the darker aspects of life, as well as the physical and emotional toll that such a lifestyle can take. The song's imagery is rich and evocative, capturing both the allure and the pitfalls of a life lived on the edge. Through its poetic and often surreal lyrics, 'that life' offers a nuanced exploration of the highs and lows of a hedonistic existence.