Goodbye 70's
Yazoo
Farewell to a Decade: The Rejection of the 70s in 'Goodbye 70's'
Yazoo's song 'Goodbye 70's' is a poignant farewell to the decade of the 1970s, reflecting a sense of relief and liberation from its cultural and social constraints. The lyrics express a clear disdain for the superficiality and the relentless pursuit of trends that characterized the era. The repeated mention of 'thirty faces' and 'fashion war' suggests a critique of the constant need for reinvention and the competitive nature of staying relevant in the fashion and cultural scenes of the 70s. This sentiment is further emphasized by the line 'I'm glad that we don't hear you any more,' indicating a desire to move on from the past and embrace a new era.
The song also touches on the exhaustion and disillusionment felt by those who lived through the 70s. Phrases like 'Sunday night tears from youth cults already dead' and 'I'm tired of playing in your fashion war' convey a sense of weariness and frustration with the decade's cultural movements, which may have initially seemed revolutionary but ultimately left many feeling disenchanted. The reference to 'the shape of the 1980's' hints at a hopeful anticipation for the future, suggesting that the new decade holds the promise of something different and potentially more genuine.
Yazoo, consisting of Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke, was known for their synth-pop sound, which was a significant departure from the rock and disco-dominated 70s. Their music often explored themes of emotional complexity and societal critique, and 'Goodbye 70's' is no exception. The song's energetic yet melancholic tone captures the mixed feelings of saying goodbye to a decade that was both influential and, at times, overwhelming. It serves as a declaration of independence from the past and a hopeful look towards the future, encapsulating the spirit of change that defined the early 80s.