The Adults Are Talking by The Strokes Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Societal Commentary in Indie Rock’s Veil
Lyrics
They’re complainin’, overeducated
You are saying all the words I’m dreaming
Say it after me
Say it after me
They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can’t help it if we are a problem
We are tryin’ hard to get your attention
I’m climbin’ up your wall
Climbin’ up your wall
Don’t go there ’cause you’ll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don’t make sense when you’re tryin’ hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don’t know how you could ever complain
Because you’re all confused ’cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same as you
You were waitin’ for the elevator
You were sayin’ all the words I’m dreaming
No more askin’ questions or excuses
Information’s here
Here and everywhere
Don’t go there ’cause you’ll never return
I know you think of me when you think of her
But then it don’t make sense when you’re tryin’ hard
To do the right thing but without recompense
And then you did something wrong and you said it was great
And now you don’t know how you could ever complain
Because you’re all confused ’cause you want me to
But then you want me to do it the same way as you, and, but
I don’t, I don’t want anything
I know it’s not, it’s not your fault
I don’t want anyone
Always I do, it’s not for you
Ah
Ooh
Stockholders
Same shit, a different lie
I’ll get it right sometime
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Oh, maybe not tonight
Hello?
Yeah, boy, here we go
And a-one, and a-two, and a-three
Here we go, friends
Hold on, I can’t-
Maybe that’s kooky situation
So, let’s go back to the old key, old tempo, everything
Okay
In an era where the gulf between youth and maturity often feels like a chasm, The Strokes artfully bridge the gap with their song ‘The Adults Are Talking.’ The title alone encapsulates a sentiment known to many—a conversation occurring, significant perhaps, yet cryptic in its substance. To be young and surrounded by the murmurs of ‘adults’ is to grapple with veiled wisdom or patronizing dismissal.
Diving into this track from their 2020 album, ‘The New Abnormal,’ there is a masterful blend of lucid commentary veiled in lyrical enigma, forcing listeners to dissect each verse for a taste of Julian Casablancas’ poignant observations on society. This analysis seeks not to pry open but rather to explore the seams of this intricate societal fabric The Strokes have woven.
Unraveling the Tapestry of Sophistication and Pretense
In the opening lines, ‘They’ve been sayin’, “You’re sophisticated”‘, the band might be addressing the often pretentious front society puts up, rewarding overeducation and denouncing simplicity. It’s a nod to the modern predilection for appearing cultured and well-versed, yet often lacking in genuine understanding or empathy.
‘You are saying all the words I’m dreaming’ perhaps depicts the listener’s or a younger individual’s yearning to be heard and taken seriously amidst a sea of jargon and verbose posturing.
Dissecting the Dilemma of Moral Recompense
As the lyrics delve into the complexities of ethical decision-making, ‘To do the right thing but without recompense,’ they challenge the age-old adage that good deeds are their own reward. It critiques the harsh reality where doing what’s right often leads to no immediate or tangible benefit, questioning the incentive structure of our moral landscape.
The Strokes highlight the inner conflict experienced when societal norms dictate contradictory actions: ‘Because you’re all confused ’cause you want me to / But then you want me to do it the same as you.’ These lines encapsulate the paradoxical demands often imposed by authority figures, further muddying our understanding of right and wrong.
Navigating the Aspirations of the Youth
The lyrics ‘We are tryin’ hard to get your attention / I’m climbin’ up your wall’ can be interpreted as an impassioned plea for recognition from the younger generation to their older counterparts. The imagery of climbing up a wall signifies a struggle against barriers and the effort it takes to be seen and acknowledged.
This acknowledgment transcends mere visibility—it’s about having a voice and role in the conversations that shape the world. The act of scaling these metaphorical walls represents a rebellion against the status quo, a refusal to remain unheard.
The Song’s Hidden Meaning: Corporate Echoes and Existential Distress
Toward the end of the song, ‘Stockholders / Same shit, a different lie’ sends a potent message about the facade of corporate responsibility and the cyclical nature of deceit in business. It reflects the disillusionment with how profit motives overshadow genuine societal progress.
The repetition of ‘Oh, maybe not tonight’ becomes a mantra of procrastination on the promise of change—a stark portrayal of the overwhelming feel of postponement that defines action (or the lack thereof) in bureaucratic and capitalist systems.
‘They will blame us, crucify and shame us’ – A Line of Indelible Impact
This remorseless acknowledgment of being targeted for the inherent flaws one possesses speaks to a broader human condition of scapegoating and persecution. The elegiac admittance of being ‘a problem’ not only critiques the ease with which society ostracizes its members but also the introspective struggle with self-acceptance.
The song ultimately leaves us with the impression that communication between ‘the adults’ and the ‘others’ is fraught with misinterpretation and a lack of genuine connection. The message underscores the need for a dialogue that transcends age, status, and power—a conversation that is truly inclusive and respects all voices.
