Aim for the body rare, you'll see it on TV
The worst thing in 1954 was the Bikini
See the girl on the TV dressed in a Bikini
She doesn't think so but she's dressed for the H-Bomb
(For the H-Bomb)

I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for
I knew I'd get what I asked for
Aim for the country fair you read it in the papers
The worst happens any week a scandal on the front page
See the happy pair smiling close like they are monkeys
They wouldn't think so but they're holding themselves down
(Hold themselves down)

I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for
I knew I'd get what I asked for
I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for
I knew I'd get what I asked for
Aim for politicians fair who'll treat your vote hope well
The last thing they'll ever do act in your interest
Look at the world through your Polaroid glasses
Things'll look a whole lot better for the working classes
(Working classes)

I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for
I knew I'd get what I asked for
I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for
I knew I'd get what I asked for

Overall Meaning

In "I Found That Essence Rare," Gang of Four sings about the illusions that people create and how they lead to self-oppression. The song is a criticism of the media, advertising, politicians, and society as a whole. The lyrics point out how the media manipulates images of women, using them to sell the fear of the H-bomb or to promote events like beauty contests that objectify women. In the same way, politicians are criticized for using empty rhetoric to gain votes but ultimately serving the interests of the powerful elite.

The chorus, "I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for, I knew I'd get what I asked for," is perhaps ironic, as it appears to celebrate finding something special that was desired, but the following verses describe the disillusionment with what is found. The way in which the lyrics are written and sung is sharp and accentuated, creating a sense of cynicism and urgency.

In conclusion, "I Found That Essence Rare" is a cautionary tale about the illusions and self-imposed oppression that we create in Western society. It is a critique of the media, advertising, and politics, pointing out the ways in which they manipulate people for their own gain.

Line by Line Meaning

Aim for the body rare, you'll see it on TV
Try to achieve an impossible standard of beauty that is advertised on television.

The worst thing in 1954 was the Bikini
The creation of the Bikini in 1954 represented the potential destructiveness of nuclear weapons.

See the girl on the TV dressed in a Bikini, She doesn't think so but she's dressed for the H-Bomb (For the H-Bomb)
The girl on TV wearing a Bikini may not realize it, but she is dressing to prepare for the inevitable nuclear disaster.

I found that essence rare, it's what I looked for, I knew I'd get what I asked for
The artist has found something of great value that they had been searching for, and believed they would eventually obtain.

Aim for the country fair you read it in the papers, The worst happens any week a scandal on the front page
Trying to attain a perfect, idyllic lifestyle promoted in newspapers is futile because there will inevitably be public scandals and corruption.

See the happy pair smiling close like they are monkeys, They wouldn't think so but they're holding themselves down (Hold themselves down)
A couple may seem content and happy but are unknowingly limiting themselves and their potential.

Aim for politicians fair who'll treat your vote hope well, The last thing they'll ever do act in your interest
It is unreasonable to expect politicians to truly act in the best interest of the people they represent, despite encouraging promises.

Look at the world through your Polaroid glasses, Things'll look a whole lot better for the working classes (Working classes)
By viewing the world through rose-tinted glasses, one can believe that the struggles faced by the working class no longer exist.

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