Most often, hypnagogic pop use as starting point 1970s/1980s Pop/Rock, but genres as diverse as Exotica, House, Trip Hop etc. have been used as source. Many of the early artists associated with hypnagogic pop (including James Ferraro) actually belong to a specific American Neo-Psychedelia underground scene, centered around cassette labels such as Not Not Fun Records or New Age Tapes, that can be more often than not simply described with other terms, such as Drone, Noise or Progressive Electronic. However, even these artists have become a lot more transparent and the usage of the term hypnagogic pop has become increasingly relevant.
Even so, it is often confused with Chillwave. Some early chillwave artists, such as Nite Jewel, are borderline cases indeed, but, in time, chillwave has established itself as a full-blown niche with a specific sound, using lo-fi to a much smaller degree than hypnagogic pop, more conventional and accessible song formats (followed with more acclaim, as hypnagogic pop artists are often discarded as being too abrasive), as well as having its own themes and stereotypical sounds. Same notes apply almost entirely to other arguable offshoots, such as Witch House.
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Chamber of Reflection
Mac DeMarco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Getting ready for the day you're born again
Spend some time alone
Understand that soon you'll run with better men
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone
No use looking out
It's within that brings that lonely feeling
Understand that when you leave here, you'll be clear
Among the better men
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone
The lyrics to Mac DeMarco's song Chamber of Reflection are a contemplative and introspective take on growth and change. The opening lines advise us to "spend some time away" in order to prepare for a rebirth, for becoming new again. Mac DeMarco encourages introspection, reassuring us that once we spend some time alone, we will "run with better men," suggesting that the period of isolation, however daunting, is necessary for personal growth.
The repetition of "alone again" throughout the song acts as a reminder that while growth can be a solitary and at times lonely journey, it is worth it to go through it in order to come out "clear/ Among the better men". In the second verse, DeMarco notes that the reason we may feel lonely isn't because of anything externally, but rather our "lonely feeling" is within us. He reminds us to look inward to confront this feeling.
Overall, the song promotes taking time to reflect on oneself, facing our fears and weaknesses, and growing into the best versions of ourselves. The ebb and flow of the melody help to carry the introspective message of the lyrics and make it a haunting and memorable piece.
Line by Line Meaning
Spend some time away
Take time for yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Getting ready for the day you're born again
Prepare yourself for a fresh start, a rebirth.
Spend some time alone
Reflect on yourself and your journey without distraction or influence from others.
Understand that soon you'll run with better men
Realize that being alone and working on yourself will lead to becoming a better version of yourself, and therefore, the company you keep will also be better.
No use looking out
There's no point in looking for answers or fulfillment outside of yourself. True peace can only come from within.
It's within that brings that lonely feeling
Feeling lonely can come from a sense of disconnect or unhappiness within oneself.
Understand that when you leave here, you'll be clear
When you're ready to move on from this lonely phase, you'll have a clearer sense of self and purpose.
Among the better men
You'll be surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you, rather than bring you down.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the singer is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone
Emphasizing the isolation and loneliness felt.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the singer is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the singer is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone
Emphasizing the isolation and loneliness felt.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Macbriare Samuel Lanyon Demarco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind