On their own, Green and Shapiro have long been notable figures among indie-pop fans, cherished for their off-kilter sensibility (him) and elegantly quirky style (her). As part of New York City’s “anti-folk” scene at the end of the nineties, Adam Green first came to prominence as one-half of Moldy Peaches, his duo with Kimya Dawson that enjoyed belated mainstream success via the Grammy-winning soundtrack of the 2007 indie film Juno.
What's The Reward
Adam Green & Binki Shapiro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's the reward? Do you always miss the point?
Even my Lolitas are growing up
You gave me life but you can't take it away
You found new ways to be disappointed all day
Ridden with the burden of a confident man
What's it like? That feeling to lose some fans?
Pointing ideas that have already been used
You only know how to romanticize old news
Couldn't last forever, my shadow's past
In this case the woman didn't love him back
I'm finally in full blosom
Finally hit rock bottom
Let go of all you don't need
Couldn't last forever
Not everything's what it seems
In this case the woman didn't love him back
The song What's The Reward by Adam Green and Binki Shapiro deals with the theme of the disillusionment that comes from constantly being brave and putting up a facade of courage. The first verse serves as a rhetorical question, asking what the reward is for being brave all the time. The second line continues with another rhetorical question, asking if we often miss the point of being brave due to the burden of always having to be brave. The third line serves as a metaphor, as the singer observes that even their Lolitas (alluding to the novel, Lolita) are becoming more mature, or in other words, the innocence and youthfulness that was once present is starting to fade away.
The second verse is directed towards someone who gave the singer life, but is unable to take it away. This person is described as constantly finding new ways to be disappointed and is ridden with the burden of being a confident man. The verse then moves to the concept of losing fans, which could be interpreted as a loss of validation or support. The third verse is a commentary on the lack of originality in ideas and the tendency to romanticize old news or past experiences. The verse ends with the realization that in some cases, the love is never returned, expressing disappointment in a relationship or unrequited love.
Overall, the song highlights the emotional toll that comes with constantly putting up a brave front and the disappointment that comes with a lack of validation or reciprocated love. The lyrics evoke feelings of melancholy and sadness, but also hint at the possibility of self-discovery and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the reward for being brave all the time?
What do you gain from constantly being courageous?
What's the reward? Do you always miss the point?
Is there any benefit to constantly being out of touch with reality?
Even my Lolitas are growing up
Even the young, innocent girls in my life are maturing and changing.
You gave me life but you can't take it away
Although you are my parent and gave me existence, you do not have control over my life and choices.
You found new ways to be disappointed all day
You constantly find reasons to be dissatisfied and unhappy.
Ridden with the burden of a confident man
Overwhelmed by the weight of trying to be a self-assured individual.
What's it like? That feeling to lose some fans?
What does it feel like to lose the admiration and approval of some of your supporters?
Pointing ideas that have already been used
Recycling concepts that have already been employed by others.
You only know how to romanticize old news
Your tendency is to glorify and idealize events or circumstances from the past.
Couldn't last forever, my shadow's past
My previous self and habits could not be sustained indefinitely.
In this case the woman didn't love him back
Referring back to previous lines, the singer is lamenting unrequited love from a woman in his life.
I'm finally in full blosom
I have finally reached my full potential and am blossoming into my true self.
Finally hit rock bottom
Finally reaching the lowest point of despair and desperation.
Let go of all you don't need
Release yourself from anything that is unnecessary or not serving your best interests.
Not everything's what it seems
Things are not always as they appear on the surface.
Contributed by Adrian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Percy Gloverfold
this song is actually pretty complex. lotta tempo changes, plus that surf rock breakdown in the middle... ADAM GREEN IS A GENIUS
vanhurtm
This is such an amazing song.
AmazingProfessional
Song give me chills.
Camilo Botero
Incredible
Kathy Brito
1:50 <3
Valery Quezada
And i feel good . *-*
Deadmau6 Polycon Hippy
sounds like pete doherty on the guitar solo or Bilo?
Deadmau6 Polycon Hippy
thats what she said