Tricky Tricky by Röyksopp Lyrics Meaning – Deciphering the Enigma of Human Experience
Lyrics
I’m about to lose it the second time
Staring at the wall hour after hour
Running up and down over and over
It’s a tricky, tricky, this little one, two
Well, if it is a lunatic we’ll name it after you
Put it in your pocket and pick it up
We’re here to entertain, show them what you’ve got
Six afraid of seven ’cause seven, eight, nine
I’m afraid of losing the pieces I find
If I was created equal is this what I get?
A bunch of stories to interpret
Ready to rock it like rock ‘n’ roll
You are the flower in glittering gold
Sleeping in the palm, the palm of my hand
They show you who to follow, it looks like a man
Six afraid of seven ’cause seven, eight, nine
I’m about to lose it the second time
Staring at the wall hour after hour
Running up and down over and over
Ready to rock it like rock ‘n’ roll
You are the flower in glittering gold
Sleeping in the palm, the palm of my hand
They show you who to follow, it looks like a man
It’s a tricky, tricky, this little one, two
Well, if it is a lunatic we’ll name it after you
Put it in your pocket and pick it up
We’re here to entertain, show them what you’ve got
Ready to rock it like rock ‘n’ roll
You are the flower in glittering gold
Sleeping in the palm, the palm of my hand
They show you who to follow, it looks like a man
It looks like a man
At first glance, Röyksopp’s ‘Tricky Tricky’ may seem like a cryptic maze of words set against the group’s signature electronic backdrop. But delve a notch deeper, and this haunting track from their 2009 album ‘Junior’ reveals itself as a poignant exploration of human consciousness and the complexities that dwell within.
Navigating through the labyrinth of their lyrical genius, we embark on a quest to unravel the nuanced layers within ‘Tricky Tricky,’ all the while being lured by its hypnotic rhythm and ethereal vibe. Dare to dive into the rabbit hole where nothing is quite what it seems, and everything is to be questioned.
The Numerical Nightmare: Visions of Paranoia?
The line ‘Six afraid of seven ’cause seven, eight, nine’ is not merely a play on words but a reflection of a psyche ensnared in paranoia. Röyksopp uses this children’s numerical pun as a gripping metaphor for an unsettling feeling of impending doom—the essence of being consumed by irrational fear.
This repetition throughout the song serves to not only capture the listener’s attention but also to mirror the recurring cycles of worry that can dominate one’s mind. It underscores an individual’s struggle with anxiety as they obsess over the patterns that may lead to their ultimate undoing.
A Daunting Descent Into The Psyche
The relentless beat of time, illustrated by ‘Staring at the wall hour after hour,’ paints a picture of mental confinement, where the protagonist is trapped in a space that has no exit, digging deeper into their own consciousness.
Turning ‘up and down over and over’ speaks to the internal chaos and the futile attempts to overcome it through repeated, often meaningless actions—an eerily accurate portrayal of the human condition when faced with introspective challenges.
Lifting the Veil: The Hidden Meaning Behind the Man
In a climactic turn, the references to ‘the man’ symbolize the guides or idols society looks up to, with Röyksopp pointing out the ironies and inconsistencies in our choices of heroes. ‘They show you who to follow, it looks like a man’ suggests that often, the entities we are told to emulate are constructs, facades devoid of the authenticity we seek.
By depicting the listener as ‘the flower in glittering gold,’ the song touches on themes of personal growth and value masked by the gilded allure of external validation, a reminder of the individual’s inherent worth amidst societal pressures.
The Dance of Distraction: Show Them What You’ve Got
Röyksopp then invites the subject to break free from their reverie of confusion, beckoning ‘We’re here to entertain, show them what you’ve got.’ This line can be seen as a call to action, an encouragement to shed the weight of psychological dread and instead, showcase one’s true potential to the world.
It possesses an anthemic quality, urging individuals to take the leap of faith out of the persistence of doubt and into the spotlight of their own destinies, adding a layer of empowerment to what is otherwise a nuanced critique of human frailty.
Memorable Lines: Tackling Existence With Poetic Intrigue
The existential quandary, ‘If I was created equal is this what I get? A bunch of stories to interpret,’ hits at the core of the track’s deeper themes. It questions the fairness of life and the purpose behind the trials and tribulations that each person is fated to endure.
Such lines showcase the songwriters’ skills in encapsulating profound philosophical thoughts within the simplicity of a chorus, leaving the listener to ponder the grander narratives at play in their own lives and the stories they choose to explain their existence.





