Bad Remake

Wallows' song 'Bad Remake' delves into the disillusionment and existential crisis that often accompany the pursuit of fame. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has finally achieved their 'big break,' only to find that the reality of fame is far from the glamorous dream they had envisioned. The opening lines, 'Today's the day / You will finally get your big break,' set the stage for a journey filled with emotional turmoil and regret. The months turning into years symbolize the passage of time and the toll it takes on one's spirit, leaving the protagonist questioning what remains of their true self.

The recurring line 'Oh, fame is a grave' serves as a powerful metaphor for the suffocating nature of fame. It suggests that while fame may bring financial rewards ('hope you're well paid'), it also comes with a heavy emotional and psychological cost. The song critiques the entertainment industry, particularly the trend of remaking films, as a metaphor for the superficial and often disappointing nature of fame. 'Some films just should not be remade' implies that some things are better left untouched, much like the individual's original self before the pursuit of fame.

The song also touches on the superficiality and fleeting nature of success. Lines like 'Praise the soundtrack, but hate the score' and 'The worst CGI I've seen in a while' highlight the discrepancy between appearance and substance. The protagonist is left 'wanting more,' indicating a deep sense of unfulfillment despite their achievements. The closing lines, 'You're a constellation / And I'm empty space,' poignantly capture the isolation and emptiness that can accompany fame, contrasting the public's adoration with the individual's inner void.