MODUS by Joji Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Digital Despair in a High-Speed World
Lyrics
Need control, need it now
I need to live a thousand times
I cannot stop, I cannot cry
I will not fret, I will not die
I am machine, I stay alive
Sometimes I think, sometimes I think
Sometimes I think, sometimes I (woo)
I’ve got no aim, a million rounds
Is nothing real? A hunnid pounds
Of heavy steel, it feels so loud
Tied to my chest, it feels so loud
I’ll take a peek to across the peaks
This grass is neat, I’m quite unique
But I’d like to be, but I’d like to be
And I hope this is the hardest part
We try, we try
And when they say they’re satisfied
They’re lying, they’re lying
Do forgive me, I’ve seen the treasure is in the bloom
But right now I’m just not strong enough for you
Sorry, you can see it in my retina
Focus in and out, I’m doin’ better
Artificial ghost with no perception
I wanna be a Chevy not a Sentra (yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah)
I don’t feel the way they programmed me to feel today
Some pieces fallin’ from the waist up, I’m so sorry for delays
Just need one moment to erase that burning pain before the rage
I feel good, I feel good, I feel good, I fixed it
And I hope this is the hardest part
We try, we try
And when they say they’re satisfied
They’re lying, they’re lying
Do forgive me, I’ve seen the treasure is in the bloom
But right now I’m just not strong enough for you
And I hope this is the hardest part
We try, we try
And when they say they’re satisfied
They’re lying, they’re lying
Do forgive me, I’ve seen the treasure is in the bloom
But right now I’m just not strong enough for you
Joji, the musical chameleon and internet sensation, once known as Filthy Frank and Pink Guy, takes a somber turn with his track ‘MODUS.’ Serving as a deep dive into the soul of a digital generation, ‘MODUS’ wades through themes of existence, control, and the struggle against our own programmed nature in the relentless march of time.
Crafted with a melancholy that only Joji can conjure, the song combines lo-fi beats, poignant lyrics, and introspective melodic lines to form a commentary on personal struggle in a world where humans interface with the mechanics of society and technology. Let’s peel back the layers of ‘MODUS’ and explore not just its striking harmony but the message beneath the music that has resonated with fans worldwide.
The Chorus: A Look into the Human Machine
Central to ‘MODUS,’ the chorus speaks to the dichotomy of control and vulnerability. Joji’s repetition of speed and urgency serves as a metaphor for life’s relentless pace and the societal pressures to keep up. He expresses a desire to live ‘a thousand times,’ a craving for experience, yet stifled by an inability to stop or exhibit emotions freely. The words ‘I am machine, I stay alive’ resonate with haunting clarity, as Joji touches upon the dehumanization we sometimes feel amid modern life’s demands.
The machine imagery conveys a deeper yearning for life beyond the mechanical existence we’re often funneled into. The message is clear: even in this mode of survival, there’s a unmistakable human desire to break free from the programmed loop, to find an authentic self within the automaticity of daily life.
Verse One’s Confession: ‘Artificial Ghost’ and the Search for Identity
Delving into the first verse, Joji becomes self-reflective, exploring the internal conflict of feeling directionless, despite being armed to the teeth with potential (‘a million rounds’). He questions the reality of his heavy burdens, feeling them ‘so loud,’ symbolizing the intense pressure that can weigh on the psyche.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope in his contemplation, a uniqueness to his struggle that sets him apart. When he expresses, ‘I wanna be a Chevy not a Sentra,’ it’s more than a comparison of cars – it’s a raw, honest statement of aspiration. He doesn’t want to be just another factory model, churning through life; he yearns for individuality, legacy, and significance.
The Inner Battle: Interpreting the Clockwork of Pain
As Joji sings, ‘Sorry, you can see it in my retina,’ he implicates the eyes as windows to his inner turmoil. The intricate lyrics depict an individual hovering between different levels of consciousness, striving for clarity amid confusion (‘Focus in and out, I’m doin’ better’).
However, Joji acknowledges his imperfections, admitting that parts of him are crumbling (‘Some pieces fallin’ from the waist up’). These lines strike with a raw vulnerability, addressing the struggles with identity and self-worth that come with the territory of being human and the ongoing attempt to recalibrate oneself in midst of chaos.
Revelations of ‘MODUS’: The Song’s Hidden Depths
Contrary to a superficial listening, ‘MODUS’ harbors a rich tapestry of introspection. When Joji croons about the cycle of trying and lying, he touches a universal nerve: the gap between personal aspiration and societal satisfaction. He suggests that society’s appearance of contentment is a facade, one that’s crumbling under close inspection.
Furthermore, his plea for forgiveness underscores a deeply personal struggle with emotional availability (‘Do forgive me, I’ve seen the treasure is in the bloom’). He acknowledges the potential for beauty and growth but also admits to his current incapacity to reach this ideal state, painting a vivid picture of the internal conflict many face when trying to align with external expectations.
Memorable Lines: Poetic Punches That Stick
The eerie echo of ‘I feel good, I feel good, I feel good, I fixed it’ carries a heavy sarcasm. Here, Joji draws attention to the quick-fix culture we inhabit, where surface-level adjustments are mistaken for genuine healing. This lyric captures the delicate art of self-delusion, as we convince ourselves of our wellbeing without addressing deeper issues.
Moreover, the imagery of finding treasures in the bloom within the repetition of ‘I hope this is the hardest part’ offers listeners a hook to hang their hope on – the notion that amidst the struggle and the programming, there remains a promise of growth and of triumphing over one’s hardships. It’s a line that’s both poignant and piercing, urging fans to consider the possibility of a future where the trials of today forge a stronger tomorrow.
