Suede
Filmstar Lyrics


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Filmstar, propping up the bar, driving in a car, it looks so easy
Filmstar, propping up the bar, driving in a car tonight
Filmstar, giving it class, living it fast, it looks so easy
Filmstar, giving it class, living it fast tonight

What to believe in, it's impossible to say?
What to believe in when they change your name
Wash your brain, play the game again?
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Filmstar, an elegant sir, a terylene shirt, it looks so easy
Filmstar, an elegant sir in a terylene shirt tonight
Filmstar, propping up the bar, driving in a car, it looks so easy
Filmstar, propping up the bar, driving in a car tonight

What to believe in, it's impossible to say?
What to believe in when they change your name
Wash your brain, play the game again?
Yeah, yeah, yeah

What to believe in, it's impossible to say?
What to believe in when they change your name
Wash your brain, play the game again, again, again?
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Filmstar
Filmstar
Filmstar
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Filmstar
Filmstar
Filmstar
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Filmstar
Filmstar
Filmstar




Yeah, yeah, yeah
...

Overall Meaning

In "Suede," Filmstar represents the illusion of celebrity life. The song describes a character who has a seemingly effortless existence, symbolised by him propping up a bar or driving in his car. It appears as though he is living life to the fullest, with elegance and class, yet the repetition of the phrase "it looks so easy" implies that there may be more to his life than meets the eye. The lyrics lament the difficulty in determining what is real and what is fabricated in the world of fame, exemplified by the line "what to believe in, it's impossible to say?" The idea that one's name can be changed and thoughts manipulated, is represented by the phrase "wash your brain, play the game again."


The song hints that the concept of a "Filmstar" is nothing more than an acting role, played by someone trying to remain glamorous and relevant in a world that is ever-changing. Filmstar is a character who looks disingenuous, indicated by the choice of clothing described in the lyrics, instead of wearing a bespoke suit, Filmstar has opted for a terylene shirt. Overall, the song seems to be suggesting that the life of a movie star can be fake, and portraying a fictional character can blend into their real personality.


Line by Line Meaning

Filmstar, propping up the bar, driving in a car, it looks so easy
The lifestyle of a filmstar, who is casually hanging out in a bar and driving around in a car, appears to be so effortless.


Filmstar, giving it class, living it fast, it looks so easy
The filmstar carries himself with sophistication while living a fast-paced life, which seems to be easily manageable.


What to believe in, it's impossible to say?
It's difficult to determine what's worth believing in.


What to believe in when they change your name
It's even harder to have faith in something when you're constantly pressured to change who you are.


Wash your brain, play the game again?
Society and the industry can be manipulative, compelling people to alter their beliefs and ideals to fit in once more.


Filmstar, an elegant sir, a terylene shirt, it looks so easy
The filmstar, sporting a luxurious persona and a terylene shirt, appears to lead a life of ease.


What to believe in, it's impossible to say?
It's still a challenge to identify trustworthy beliefs.


Filmstar, propping up the bar, driving in a car, it looks so easy
Once again, the effortless existence of a filmstar at a bar and in a car is highlighted.


What to believe in, it's impossible to say?
The lyrics circle back to the idea of uncertainty in terms of one's beliefs.


Wash your brain, play the game again, again, again?
The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the pressure to sacrifice one's beliefs to conform again and again.


Filmstar
The repetition of the word acts as a chorus in the song.


Yeah, yeah, yeah
The phrase also serves as a chorus in the song.




Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@floragosling84

Anderson has an awesome voice

@depechebest

and great perfomance

@loobycarroll

Saw Suede 2002 in Manchester they were supporting my idol David Bowie....... A day that I will remember forever!! :) x

@elbonsu6965

Lucky sod,loved to have been there,

@amydodd83

The unmistakable voice of Brett Anderson! Love it!

@simonstewart7457

guitarist is mental, loved this band since the 90s

@differe94nt

One of my suede favorites ...... Just repeat,jump,yell

@sarahaggett2433

One of my favourite bands x

@mrsjtay1975

Brett Anderson 😍

@henriqueramos3197

Good afternoon YouTube guys! I'm here to see this Suede video and to give my opinion. I lived in the seventies, as a child, I grew up in the eighties, in the nineties until today! I listened to all kinds of music and I really enjoyed countless artists. I read magazines of pop and rock music and hard rock, metal, soul, R & B, hip hop, etc. I've seen artists' albums in the chats and I have many albums of many of them in my house. All the albums I have are on CD! I have my favorite artists, of course! Of those artists that I'm big fan, of course I have all their albums on CD! All this to inform you that I love the Suede, too. I have the Coming Up remastered purchased a little while ago. I listened a lot to the Suede on the radio and on the television! Thankfully they still make music as good as in their golden age!

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