Their debut album Emmerdale (1994) gave them a solid base in their home country and enjoyed some success abroad, especially in Japan. But it wasn't until their breakthrough second album Life (1995) that international audiences and critics responded. The band is perhaps best known outside of Sweden for their international hit singles "Erase/Rewind" and "My Favourite Game" from the album Gran Turismo (1998) and "Lovefool" from the album First Band on the Moon (1996). Its inclusion in the soundtrack of William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet by director Baz Luhrmann secured their popularity. The Cardigans have sold 5 million albums worldwide.
Explode
Cardigans Lyrics
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We'll pay them double
Not to look at you for a while
And you rely on
What you get high on
And you last just as long as it serves you
Explode or implode
Explode or implode
Yes we will carry you
Cause you're deserted
What's good you hurt it
And kills you it keeps you alive
So give it up
In a world of puppets
It's a shame what they do to us all
Can we do anything for you now ?
The lyrics of "Explode" by The Cardigans delve into themes of addiction, escapism, and the pressure to conform in a society that pushes people towards self-destructive behavior. The opening lines paint a picture of someone who is troubled and seeking relief from their problems, relying on a substance to help them cope with their pain. They are so desperate for a break from their reality that they are willing to pay to avoid being seen by others. The next section of the song presents a stark contrast between the destructive nature of addiction ("it kills you") and the temporary relief it provides ("it keeps you alive").
The chorus serves as a bleak reminder of the binary option facing the person in question: they can either explode (lose control and potentially harm themselves or others) or implode (shut down and withdraw completely). The song seems to suggest that neither alternative is a desirable one, leaving the listener wondering what other paths might be available to those struggling with addiction and other mental health issues.
Line by Line Meaning
Ease your trouble
We'll try to make things easier for you
We'll pay them double
We'll pay people not to bother you
Not to look at you for a while
So they won't stare at you
And you rely on
You depend on
What you get high on
Whatever you use to escape reality
And you last just as long as it serves you
You'll only use it as long as it benefits you
Explode or implode
You'll either break down or burst out
We will take care of it
We'll try to help
Yes we will carry you
We'll support you
Cause you're deserted
Because you feel alone and abandoned
What's good you hurt it
You have a way of damaging things that should benefit you
And kills you it keeps you alive
Your coping mechanisms might be harmful in the long run
So give it up
It's time to let go
In a world of puppets
A society where people have little control and act according to the wishes of others
It's a shame what they do to us all
It's unfortunate how society affects everyone
Can we do anything for you now?
Is there anything we can do to help you currently?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NINA PERSSON, PETER ANDERS SVENSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind