Call It What You Want by Foster the People Lyrics Meaning – Deciphering the Anthem of Defiance
Lyrics
I said just call it what you want
Call it what you want
Yeah we’re locked up in ideas
We like to label everything
Well I’m just gonna do here what I gotta do here
‘Cause I gotta keep myself free
You’re ducking and moving just to hide your bruising from all your enemies
And I’m in the crossfire dodging bullets from you expectancies
We’ve got nothing to lose
You better run and hide
Yeah you’ve crossed the line
I’ve got a knife behind my back (just sayin’)
We’ve got nothing to prove
Your social guides give you swollen eyes
But what I’ve got can’t be bought so you can just
Call it what you want, yeah yeah call it what you want
Yeah yeah I said just call it what you want, yeah yeah call it what you want
You’ve taken your words and you take your judgments
And stick them onto everything
If it don’t conform to what you were born into,
Then you run the other way
You say, “now what’s your style and who do you listen to?” who cares?
Well that rat race ladder-climbing fake-face smile’s got nothing on me
We’ve got nothing to lose
You better run and hide
Yeah you’ve crossed the line
I’ve got a knife behind my back (just sayin’)
We’ve got nothing to prove
Your social guides give you swollen eyes
But what I’ve got can’t be bought so you can just
Call it what you want, yeah yeah call it what you want
Yeah yeah I said just call it what you want, yeah yeah call it what you want
Call it what you want
Call it what you want
Call it what you want, yeah yeah call it what you want
Yeah yeah I said just call it what you want, yeah yeah call it what you want
Foster the People’s ‘Call It What You Want’ is more than just an electro-pop anthem with a sticky hook. It’s a modern-day manifesto for those weary of societal pressures and the relentless pursuit of labels. The track, which thumps with buoyant beats and frontman Mark Foster’s distinct vocal stylings, oscillates between a resounding rebellion and an introspective confession.
Dissecting the meaning behind the lyrics unveils layers of commentary on identity, conformity, and the illusion of freedom in a judgment-fueled world. ‘Call It What You Want’ transcends musical boundaries to strike a chord with anyone grappling with the weight of expectations. It’s both a battle cry and a liberating dance track, encapsulating the paradox of fighting for authenticity in a culture saturated with pretense.
The Clarion Call of Individuality Versus Conformity
At its core, ‘Call It What You Want’ is a defiant response to societal norms. The song’s lyrics suggest a world where individuals are incessantly ‘locked up in ideas’ and compelled to ‘label everything.’ Frontman Foster sings of his determination to maintain his autonomy, ‘Well I’m just gonna do here what I gotta do here,’ signaling a refusal to succumb to the pigeonholing that dictates our day-to-day lives.
The song’s pulse echoes the heartbeat of those who feel marginalized by rigid social structures. It embodies the struggle to remain true to oneself when being constantly told to conform to group expectations. This is not just about resisting the status quo; it’s about embracing the freedom that comes with self-acceptance.
Navigating the Battlefield of Public Perception
In the trenches of public opinion, Foster the People highlight the personal combat involved in upholding one’s identity. The line ‘And I’m in the crossfire dodging bullets from your expectancies’ poignantly captures this conflict. It’s about moving through the world as if it’s a battlefield, where judgments and criticisms are the weapons aimed at one’s sense of self.
The mention of ‘a knife behind my back’ isn’t merely a metaphor for betrayal or deceit; it reflects the guarded condition in which one must operate when fighting for individuality. It suggests a readiness to defend oneself against the onslaught of societal pressures, which are often hidden in plain sight.
The Socio-Economic Critique within the Rhythm
Amidst the foot-tapping rhythms and catchy chorus, ‘Call It What You Want’ smuggles in a sharp critique of social hierarchies. ‘Your social guides give you swollen eyes’ touches upon the damaging effects of relentless social climbing and the false standards that cause more harm than good.
The ‘rat race ladder-climbing fake-face smile’ Foster describes is an indictment of the superficiality that success is often measured by. The suggestion that what the singer possesses ‘can’t be bought’ points to an inner wealth, a peace or authenticity that transcends material gain and superficial approval.
The Hidden Meaning: A Lens on Existential Liberation
Delving beneath the surface, one discerns a deeper philosophical meditation in ‘Call It What You Want.’ The repetitive insistence to ‘call it what you want’ reflects a Sartrean existentialism, where identity is not defined by external labels but by personal freedom and choice.
The song becomes an existential anthem — acknowledging that while one may not control the world’s reaction, there’s power in determining how to engage with it. The freedom Foster celebrates is one that is internally derived, and thus, untouchable by external validation or disparagement.
Unforgettable Lines That Echo Beyond the Music
The strength of ‘Call It What You Want’ lies not only in its danceable beats but also in its memorable lyrics that resonate with anyone who has ever felt misunderstood. Phrases like ‘you’ve crossed the line’ become personal mantras for listeners, as they embody moments of defiance in the face of unjust judgment.
The song triggers an emotional release, allowing listeners to dance through their disillusionment and revel in their innate worth. As a result, the lyrics of ‘Call It What You Want’ have found a permanent home in the lexicon of empowerment, echoing in the minds and hearts of those who refuse to be anything less than their authentic selves.
