Prep-School Gangsters

Vampire Weekend's 'Prep-School Gangsters' delves into the superficiality and hidden struggles of privileged youth. The song's lyrics paint a picture of a world where appearances and social status are paramount, yet the emotional and psychological toll of maintaining such facades is significant. The term 'prep-school gangsters' itself is a biting oxymoron, juxtaposing the image of elite, well-educated students with the rough, rebellious connotations of gangsters. This contrast highlights the absurdity and performative nature of their behavior.

The recurring line, 'It's just somethin' people say,' underscores the emptiness of the social rituals and the insincerity that pervades this environment. The protagonist's journey through the song reflects a struggle for authenticity and self-discovery amidst the pressures to conform. The mention of 'cutting class through revolving doors' suggests a cyclical, almost inescapable pattern of behavior that these individuals are trapped in, further emphasized by the 'fifth-gen curse,' hinting at generational cycles of privilege and expectation.

The song also touches on themes of jealousy and rivalry, as seen in the lines 'Call me jealous, call me mad / Now I got the thing you had.' This suggests a competitive atmosphere where individuals are constantly measuring themselves against one another, often leading to feelings of inadequacy and resentment. The reference to family lineage, 'Somewhere in your family tree / There was someone just like me,' implies that these struggles are not unique but rather inherited, passed down through generations of privileged families. Ultimately, 'Prep-School Gangsters' is a critique of the hollow nature of social status and the personal costs of living up to societal expectations.