Success by Interpol Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Layers Behind the Enigmatic Anthem
Lyrics
What safety can you find?
See the great unknown
That shape for miles
Good eye
I’m a good guy
Dreams of long life
What safety can you find?
If the sea will start strong
Maybe we had
Maybe we had to fly
Was a good try
I’m a good guy
As high as the day
I read the papers
Before crime would pay
I learned to bury most beliefs
I have succeeded
I won’t compete for long
I’m not not supposed to show you
I’ve got two secrets
But I only told you one
Dreams of long life
What safety can you buy?
If the sea will start strong
Maybe we had
Maybe we had to fly
Somebody make me say no, no
Somebody make me say no, no
Somebody make me say no, no
Somebody make me say no, no, no, yes
I have succeeded
I won’t compete for long
I’m not not supposed to show you
I’ve got two secrets
But I only told you one
I’m not not supposed to show you
I’m not not supposed to
I’m not not supposed to show you
I’m not not supposed to
In the realm of indie rock, Interpol has long been synonymous with complex lyricism and evocative soundscapes capable of both haunting and inspiring their audience. ‘Success,’ a track from their self-titled fourth studio album, Interpol (2010), is no exception. Through cryptic verses and a moody, pulsating rhythm, the song dissects the theme of success with shades of introspection and ambiguity that compel listeners to dig deep within its enigmatic folds.
Deconstructing ‘Success’ requires a delve into the cathartic and often solitary journey of self-discovery, personal ambition, and the grit behind the glossy facade of triumph. The song touches on the philosophical aspects of what it truly means to ‘succeed’—a concept that proves to be more elusive and multifaceted than one might initially perceive.
The Paradoxical Lament: Longevity and Security in Question
The song’s opening lines, ‘Dreams of long life, what safety can you find?’ immediately set a tone of existential inquiry. The quest for a prolonged existence and the pursuit of security are human instincts, but Interpol challenges the listener by implying that certainty is a mirage, especially in the context of the ‘great unknown.’
This recurring motif serves as a reminder not only of life’s unpredictable nature but also the sense that in the pursuit of longevity and safety, one may overlook the essence of the experience itself. It’s a reflection on the sacrifices made at the altar of success, and the possible emptiness that comes with neglecting the present for a future that is not guaranteed.
An Existential Flight: The Hidden Meaning Behind Ascension
When the lyrics veer into the territory of ‘Maybe we had to fly,’ we encounter the song’s hidden meaning—a metaphor for rising above the fray, the elevation above mundane struggles. Yet, this ascension is coupled with an air of resignation. It was a ‘good try,’ suggesting an inherent understanding of the limitations that come with human endeavors.
The idea of flight taps into a deeply rooted desire for transcendence and escape. However, the inclusion of ‘maybe’ implies a hesitation and uncertainty, hinting that such elevation may be as elusive as the concept of success itself. This speaks to the heart of the song: the delicate balance between ambition and acceptance.
Rearranging Moral Compasses: The Cost of Success
A striking statement in the song is ‘Before crime would pay, I learned to bury most beliefs.’ Here, the notion of compromising one’s moral compass for success surfaces. There’s an indication of a societal shift, where once-unthinkable acts are now viable measures in the path to success.
This line serves as a poignant critique of societal norms and the extent to which individuals are willing to go to achieve what is viewed as success. It manifests the darker side of triumph, where the means to an end blurs ethical boundaries and derails intrinsic values, encapsulating a transformative moment that defines the cost of success.
Enigmatic Confessions and the Dual Face of Success
The lyrical confession ‘I’ve got two secrets, but I only told you one’ offers a dual interpretation. On the one hand, it conjures the notion that every success has its untold story, a side that remains hidden from public view—a reminder that what is presented is often only a fraction of the full picture.
On the other hand, the phrase intimates the personal struggle with authenticity in a world where concealing vulnerabilities is often mistaken for strength. This internal dissonance mirrors the external conflict of maintaining an image that aligns with societal definitions of success, challenging the listener to ponder the authenticity of their own success narratives.
Memorable Lines & Their Lasting Echo: ‘Somebody Make Me Say No’
The song’s repeated plea, ‘Somebody make me say no,’ stands out as one of its most memorable lines. This can be interpreted as a cry for help or guidance from external forces in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform to a standard of success that may not align with one’s true self or desires.
It’s a powerful call to authenticity and the courage to reject the expectations that do not serve one’s genuine path. In seeking to compel someone to say ‘no,’ the narrator is ironically asserting power and agency—a reclaiming of self in the incessant grind towards what the world deems successful.
