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Preservatives
Algernon Cadwallader Lyrics
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No decomposing.
No food for insects, no fuzzy white snow top of neglect.
My shelf life is expired but I don't belong on a shelf. (I don't belong)
I'm big enough to admit when Ive had enough of the things I want. I need. Give me.
Preservatives
Preservatives.
In Algernon Cadwallader's song Preservatives, the lyrics showcase a desire to maintain freshness and avoid decay. The first line of the song, "I'm gonna stay fresh for a long time," is an assertion of the desire to maintain a sense of vitality and youth. This sentiment is reinforced throughout the song as the singer alludes to the benefits of being preserved - no decomposition, no food for insects, and no fuzzy neglect.
However, the singer also acknowledges that their "shelf life is expired," which hints towards an eventual decay and death. Despite this expiry, the singer claims that they don't belong on a shelf. While the initial interpretation of these lines may be literal, upon closer inspection, it can be seen as a metaphor for the individualistic struggle against being trapped into societal norms, ideologies, and expectations.
Furthermore, the song's title and chorus - Preservatives- reinforces this theme, being used as a mood setter for the song. The repetition of the word serves to familiarize the listener with the concept of preserving; it is done almost as if it is a mantra that they must adopt to remain fresh or relevant to the society they live in. Overall, Algernon Cadwallader's song Preservatives can be interpreted as a commentary on the societal pressure to remain young and relevant, while also acknowledging the inevitability of death and decay.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna stay fresh for a long time.
I will not decay or expire soon, and will not corrupt over time.
No decomposing.
I will not break down or decay, and will not produce a foul odor.
No food for insects, no fuzzy white snow top of neglect.
I am not attractive to insects, and will not become moldy or dirtied when left unused.
My shelf life is expired but I don't belong on a shelf. (I don't belong)
I am not meant to be stored, and my usefulness cannot be defined by a set expiration date.
I'm big enough to admit when Ive had enough of the things I want. I need. Give me.
I am mature enough to recognize when I have fulfilled my desires, and am content with what I have received.
Preservatives
The actions taken to preserve my freshness and worth, and to prolong my usefulness.
Preservatives.
The constant measures taken to protect and maintain my value, worth, and freshness.
Writer(s): Peter Jason Helmis, Joe Reinhart, Matt Austin Bergman
Contributed by Ian F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.