aliens
XYLØ
Lost in a Familiar World: The Alienation of Modern Youth
XYLØ's song 'aliens' delves into the feelings of alienation and disconnection experienced by modern youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a generation that feels out of place, despite sharing common experiences and habits. The repeated line 'All my friends are aliens' serves as a metaphor for the sense of not belonging, even among peers who partake in the same activities, such as smoking weed. This shared yet isolating experience highlights the paradox of feeling alone in a crowd.
The song also touches on the superficiality and emptiness of certain lifestyles. The mention of a friend in a famous band who is 'just as lost as you and me' and 'pretty girls' who are 'dumb rich like the queen' but still 'oh so lost' underscores the idea that external success and beauty do not equate to inner fulfillment. This theme is further emphasized by the setting of 'a quiet street, suburbia,' which symbolizes the mundane and often stifling environment that many young people find themselves in.
The chorus, with its repetitive 'doo-doo' sounds, adds to the sense of aimlessness and resignation. The lyrics 'we get dressed up, but we're going nowhere' and 'we're so lost, we don't care' capture the essence of a generation that feels stuck and disillusioned. The desire to 'find my place in outer space or anywhere but here' reflects a longing for escape and a search for meaning beyond the confines of their current reality. The song concludes with an invitation to leave if one is unhappy, offering a glimmer of hope and the possibility of finding a place where they truly belong.