The Fear
Greg Kurstin/Lily Allen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them
And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear
'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear
Life's about film stars and less about mothers
It's all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn't matter 'cause I'm packing plastic
And that's what makes my life so fuckin' fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'm on the right track, yeah, I'm on to a winner
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear
'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear
Forget about guns and forget ammunition
'Cause I'm killing them all on my own little mission
Now I'm not a saint but I'm not a sinner
Now everything is cool as long as I'm getting thinner
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
When do you think it will all become clear
'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear
"The Fear" by Lily Allen is a satirical song that delves into the superficial and materialistic culture of modern society. The first verse highlights the desire for wealth, material possessions and celebrity status, even if it means disregarding values like cleverness and humor, and ignoring the high cost of finding and hoarding riches. Allen highlights the notion of shameless nudity and the idea that fame is all-important, suggesting that conforming to stereotypes is the way to achieve it.
Moving on, Allen highlights the fact that society is obsessed with superficiality, material possessions, and celebrity culture, adding that mothers and family values are subservient to chasing dreams that focus on being thin and wealthy rather than substance. The bridge in the song takes all these themes and puts them together. The idea of a "weapon of massive consumption" illustrates both the fears and apathy that are abundant in this culture. The final verse suggests that society is not pushing for peace and unity, rather, everyone is obsessed with their individual success, primarily through gaining fame and wealth.
Overall, the song critiques the capitalistic drive of society and the ideas of perfection set by societal norms, which are forcing people to never feel fulfilled or happy with what they have.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I desire to be wealthy and have an abundance of money.
I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny
I am not concerned with intelligence or humor.
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds
I want an excessive amount of clothes and diamonds.
I heard people die while they are trying to find them
I am aware that people sometimes die trying to acquire wealth.
And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
I will remove my clothing without feeling embarrassed or guilty.
'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous
It's common knowledge that taking off one's clothing is a way to become famous.
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I will gaze upon the sun and my own reflection.
I'm on the right track, yeah, I'm on to a winner
I am confident in my pursuit of success.
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I am unsure of what is true and genuine.
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
I am uncertain about my emotions and how to experience them.
When do you think it will all become clear
At what point do you believe everything will make sense?
'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear
I am overwhelmed and controlled by my anxieties.
Life's about film stars and less about mothers
Life is more focused on movie stars and less on maternal figures.
It's all about fast cars and cussing each other
Everything revolves around fast cars and swearing at each other.
But it doesn't matter 'cause I'm packing plastic
It doesn't matter because I have credit cards.
And that's what makes my life so fuckin' fantastic
Having credit cards is what makes my life great.
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
I am a tool for consuming vast quantities of goods.
And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function
This behavior is not my fault, it's how I've been conditioned to function.
Forget about guns and forget ammunition
Do not think about weapons like guns and ammunition.
'Cause I'm killing them all on my own little mission
I am successfully eliminating my problems by myself.
Now I'm not a saint but I'm not a sinner
I am not entirely good, but I am not evil either.
Now everything is cool as long as I'm getting thinner
My life is fine as long as I am losing weight.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lily Rose Allen, Greg Kurstin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind