The Meaning Behind The Song: Little Dark Age by MGMT
I have always been a fan of MGMT and their unique blend of indie pop and electronic music. When they released “Little Dark Age” as the first single from their fourth album, it immediately caught my attention. The song’s haunting melodies and introspective lyrics create a captivating listening experience that leaves you contemplating its deeper meaning.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Little Dark Age” paint a dark and mysterious picture. The song opens with the lines, “Breathing in the dark, lying on its side, the ruins of the dead painted with a scar.” This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, with themes of decay, denial, and isolation.
The chorus speaks of forgiveness, hiding, and the consequences of inaction. It suggests that hiding from our true selves or from the problems we face doesn’t make them disappear. We need to confront them head-on and take action. The line, “On the stage, my little dark age,” seems to imply that we are all performers, hiding our true selves behind a facade.
The second verse delves deeper into the theme of disguise and denial. The lines, “Picking through the cards, knowing what’s nearby, the carvings on the face say they find it hard,” suggest that even when we are aware of the truth, we often find it difficult to face it.
The bridge of the song serves as a brief respite, repeating the phrase “little dark age” like a mantra. It reflects a sense of anticipation and excitement for what is to come, despite the darkness that surrounds us.
The final verse takes a political turn, as MGMT addresses the issue of violence and the abuse of power. The lines, “Policemen swear to God, love’s seeping from the guns, I know my friends and I would probably turn and run,” highlight the fear and sense of helplessness in the face of such oppression. The verse ends with a call to action, urging us to “burn the page” of our dark age.
The Meaning
Overall, “Little Dark Age” seems to be a reflection on the state of the world and our individual struggles within it. It confronts themes of decay, denial, isolation, and the consequences of inaction. The song urges us to face our fears, confront the darkness within ourselves and society, and take action to create change.
The music video for “Little Dark Age” complements the song perfectly, with its eerie and surreal visuals. It showcases a sense of nostalgia for past decades while at the same time hinting at a dystopian future.
As a listener, I find this song deeply relatable. It speaks to the inherent darkness and challenges we all face in our lives and in the world around us. It serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, to question the status quo, and to actively work towards creating a brighter future.
Conclusion
“Little Dark Age” by MGMT is a thought-provoking song that explores themes of decay, denial, and the consequences of inaction. The haunting melodies and introspective lyrics make it a captivating listening experience. It serves as a call to action, urging us to confront our fears, challenge the darkness within ourselves and society, and actively work towards a brighter future.
