I Think Ur a Contra by Vampire Weekend Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Multilayered Emotional Odyssey

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Vampire Weekend's I Think Ur a Contra at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

I had a feeling once
That you and I
Could tell each other everything
For two months
But even with our oath
With truth on our side
When you turn away from me
It’s not right

I think you’re a contra
I think you’re a contra
I think you’re a contra
I think you’re a contra

My revolution thoughts
Your little arrows of desire
I want to trace them to the source
And the wire
But it’s not useful now
Since we’ve both made up our minds
You’re gonna watch out for yourself
And so will I

I think you’re a contra
And I think that you lied
Don’t call me a contra
‘Til you’ve tried

You wanted good schools and friends with pools
You’re not a contra
You wanted rock and roll, complete control
Well, I don’t know

Never pick sides
Never choose between two
Well, I just wanted you
I just wanted you
You said, “Never pick sides
Never choose between two”
But I just wanted you
I just wanted you

I think you’re a contra
And I think that you lied
Don’t call me a contra
‘Til you’ve tried

Vampire Weekend’s ‘I Think Ur a Contra’ closes their sophomore album with a cascade of emotional complexities and lyrical poetry that transcends the confines of traditional indie rock. The song, rich with metaphor and allusion, offers a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally applicable, touching on themes of betrayal, ideology, and the unyielding search for authenticity.

Ezra Koenig, the band’s lead vocalist and primary lyricist, weaves a tapestry of reflective and confessional sentiments, which prompts listeners to consider the multifaceted dimensions of their own relationships. This contemplative examination of ‘I Think Ur a Contra’ delves into the heart of its cryptic message, exploring the layers beneath the surface of the seemingly simple chorus.

A Dissection of Disillusionment and Ideological Discord

The term ‘contra’ alludes to counter revolutionary forces, immediately implying a level of opposition and dissonance between the song’s subjects. On a deeper level, Koenig seems to engage in an intense scrutiny of his interlocutor’s values, or the lack thereof. The use of ‘contra’ as an accusation points toward an identity crisis and raises questions about the integrity of the person to whom the song is addressed.

In an era of ideological polarization, the song reaches beyond the veneer of just romantic disillusionment, painting a broader stroke on the canvas of sociopolitical identity. By calling someone a ‘contra,’ Koenig highlights a betrayal not just of heart, but of principle and a shared vision of truth that once bonded them.

Nostalgia Versus Reality: The Collapse of a Connection

The haunting recollection of a bond once characterized by openness and mutual exchange is shadowed by its present decay. The lines ‘I had a feeling once / That you and I / Could tell each other everything / For two months’ evoke a sense of nostalgic longing for a past intimacy that could no longer sustain itself against the tide of undisclosed truths and unreciprocated transparency.

This fading of a connection, however brief in its ideal form, tugs at the listener’s empathy. Koenig’s voice, coupled with the melodic poignancy, elicits a shared sense of loss, one that resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of an unraveling relationship.

The Hidden Meaning: Decoding ‘Your little arrows of desire’

Delving deeper into the song’s enigmatic heart, the cryptic ‘your little arrows of desire’ likely refers to the object of the speaker’s affections pursuing tantalizing yet superficial goals. These goals, while attractive and tempting (‘little arrows’), may ultimately lead to nothing more than ephemeral satisfaction (‘desire’) without true substance or longevity.

In this pursuit, the subjects reveal their true selves, diverging from an idealized path of unity and revealing an essential selfishness. It’s a sobering revelation of a life and a relationship untethered from the ideals they originally claimed to espouse, leaving only raw ambition in its wake.

Society, Schools, and Pools: A Critique of Conformity

The lyrics ‘You wanted good schools and friends with pools / You’re not a contra’ offer a subtle yet sharp commentary on social aspirations that mask a desire for conformity. Claiming to be a ‘contra’ or countercultural while simultaneously yearning for symbols of mainstream success exposes the inherent contradictions within the song’s characters.

Whether or not these desires align with those of the singer, they serve as an indictment of the shallow quest for status. Koenig contrasts the pursuit of traditional metrics of success against the background of a supposed countercultural ethos, unveiling an underlying hypocrisy.

The Dive into Memorable Lines: ‘Never pick sides, Never choose between two’

The refrain ‘Never pick sides / Never choose between two / But I just wanted you’ encapsulates the internal struggle and the central narrative conflict. Even in the midst of turmoil, the speaker expresses a vulnerability, suggesting that despite ideological differences, the core of their desire remains unchanged.

This line provides insight into human nature’s intrinsic aversion to absolutes. It also captures a pining for simplicity amidst complexity, for the singular love that has become ensnared in a web of competing truths and disparate loyalties.