Mr. Forgettable by David Kushner Lyrics Meaning – A Journey Through the Haze of Memory and Identity
Lyrics
But have some patience for the part of me that’s lost
There’s been a hundred times
When I don’t recognize
Any of you that love me
I try to memorize and identify
But it’s all getting foggy
My head is in the clouds right now
Just pray I come around, around
Hello, hello, are you lonely?
I’m sorry, it’s just the chemicals
Hello, hello, do you know me?
I’m called Mr. Forgettable (oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
Mr. Forgettable (oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
Mr. Forgettable
The old me hides
While the new me fights
Look in my eyes
He’s still in there, right?
Did the kitchen change?
What about your name?
You used to be my heart
And now you’re just a face
My head is in the clouds right now
Just pray I come around, around
Hello, hello, are you lonely?
I’m sorry, it’s just the chemicals
Hello, hello, do you know me?
I’m called Mr. Forgettable (oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
Mr. Forgettable (oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
Mr. Forgettable (oh, oh, oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh)
Mr. Forgettable
(Mr. Forgettable)
Hello, hello, are you lonely?
I’m sorry, it’s just the chemicals
Hello, hello, do you know me?
They call me Mr. Forgettable
David Kushner’s ‘Mr. Forgettable’ is more than just a melody; it’s a poignant ballad that explores the labyrinth of human consciousness and the ephemeral nature of memory. The raw honesty with which Kushner discusses the fragility of the self strikes a chord with anyone who’s ever felt disconnected from their surroundings, or even from their own identity.
At first glance, the song’s catchy hooks and the refrain of ‘oh, oh, oh’ might deceive one into thinking this is just another pop-rock track. Yet, as the lyrics unravel, we’re entered into a narrative that is intimate and disquieting, touching upon themes of loneliness, change, and the struggle to remain anchored to one’s essence amidst it all.
The Metaphoric Struggle: A Battle with Forgotten Selves
Kushner’s use of the metaphor ‘My head is in the clouds right now’ instantly paints a picture of disassociation. The character of Mr. Forgettable operates in a foggy mental state, one where moments and faces blur into indistinct shapes and colors. This is more than a tale of forgetfulness; it’s an articulation of the struggle between who we are and who we used to be, a war against the eroding force of time on our identity.
The dual selves mentioned, the ‘old me’ and the ‘new me’, grapple for dominance. This duality suggests a transformative experience whereby the protagonist feels alienated from his past, his memories, and even from the people who claimed significant emotional territory in his heart. The song, therefore, becomes an anthem for anyone sailing in the turbulent seas of change, seeking recognition in the mirror of the past.
The Echoes of Loneliness: An Unseen Companion
Kushner’s reiteration of ‘Hello, hello, are you lonely?’ isn’t simply a question but an echo bouncing within the walls of the self. This repeated introspection hints at an underlying layer of loneliness that doesn’t just stem from being alone but from being disconnected from oneself. The protagonist’s call for recognition, ‘do you know me?’, feels like a desperate attempt to rekindle a forgotten relationship with the self and others.
Loneliness here is personified, serving as both a silent companion and an antagonist to Mr. Forgettable. The loneliness experienced is a product of his own alienation, a side effect of the ‘chemicals’ alluded to in the song – possibly a reference to mental health struggles or medication that warp and weave the fabric of memory and perception.
A Struggle for Clarity: The Fickle Nature of Memory
Kushner’s lyrics delve into the fickle nature of memory, where even the most familiar spaces and faces become unrecognizable. ‘Did the kitchen change? What about your name?’ Such lines illustrate the protagonist’s disturbing reality where nothing seems constant, and everything is subject to the cruel play of forgetting.
The reference to the kitchen – usually a haven of warmth and love within a home – changing, serves as a powerful image for the internal upheaval the character feels. It’s not just the outside world that has become distorted, but also the personal, intimate spaces that once held significance and comfort.
The Haunting Refrain: Unforgettable Yet Forgettable
The hook of ‘Mr. Forgettable’ is where the song’s core irony lies. It’s unforgettable to those who hear it, yet it speaks of being forgettable. This oxymoron of being ‘Mr. Forgettable’ worms its way into the listener’s memory, creating a juxtaposition between the memorable nature of the song and the forgettable identity of the protagonist.
Kushner’s catchy, haunting refrain becomes a potent narrative device, transforming what seems like a self-deprecating moniker into something larger – a call for empathy and a plea for help. It asks the listener to remember not only the song but the story and struggle of Mr. Forgettable.
Unraveling the Mystery: A Hidden Meaning in the Overlooked
Beneath the pop-rock veneer and the infectious melodies, ‘Mr. Forgettable’ whispers a subtler, darker theme of grappling with one’s mental health. The ‘chemicals’ that are mentioned suggest an underlying commentary on how our minds, emotions, and even our core identities can be subject to such volatile forces.
Could Mr. Forgettable be an everyman representation of those dealing with neurological disorders, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s? Or is he a metaphor for the universal fear of losing oneself in the passage of time? Kushner leaves the interpretation open, but the song’s heartrending depiction of slowly fading from the canvas of life and love remains clear.
