The Fear
Lilly Allen/Lily Allen Lyrics
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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
In "The Fear", Lily Allen depicts a materialistic and fame-obsessed culture, and how it affects her own desires and beliefs. The lyrics depict a character that represents the society as a whole, that cherishes wealth and fame over everything else, including morality and empathy. The opening lines demonstrate the character's passion for money and materialism, stating that she wants loads of clothes and diamonds without any regards to the sacrifices people make to acquire them. Furthermore, Allen highlights the idea that the media and entertainment government dictate what is considered attractive or successful, and therefore ultimately influences how we perceive ourselves. The concept of shamelessness for fame is also portrayed in the song as it highlights that nudity is the only way to get in the spotlight.
In the second verse, Allen emphasizes on consumerism, and how it is entirely ingrained in the DNA of modern society. The persona states that even though her life may be hollow, the plastic life she is portraying is fantastic by owning materials. The last verse questions the audience, introducing the conflict of morality in the consumption of goods. The singer admits that she is not a saint, and that losing weight is the primary objective rather than looking after societal responsibilities. The confusion of what is right or real is left open-ended, as the singer still suffers from internal fear and unease despite surrounding herself with wealth, materialism and fame.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I aspire to attain wealth and own vast amounts of money.
I don't care about clever, I don't care about funny
I don't value intellect or humour.
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds
I desire a surplus of clothes and an excessive amount of diamonds.
I heard people die while they are trying to find them
I'm aware of people who perish while attempting to obtain these materialistic goals.
And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
I'm willing to disrobe in public without shame.
'Cause everyone knows that's how you get famous
Being infamous is achieved by stripping in public.
I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror
I'll gaze at the sun and myself in the reflection.
I'm on the right track, yeah, I'm on to a winner
I'm progressing successfully and will continue to do so.
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
I'm unsure of the truth or morality in my current circumstances.
I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
I'm uncertain of my emotions and how I should react to them.
When do you think it will all become clear
I wonder when everything will make sense and become apparent to me.
'Cause I'm being taken over by the fear
The feeling of dread is overwhelming me.
Life's about film stars and less about mothers
Celebrity culture is more significant than maternal figures in today's society.
It's all about fast cars and cussing each other
The focus is on owning speedy vehicles and exchanging insults.
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
That's what contributes to the greatness of my life.
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
I am a tool used to exhaustively consume goods and services.
And it's not my fault, it's how I'm programmed to function
My behaviour is not entirely my responsibility; it's the result of societal programming.
Forget about guns and forget ammunition
I don't need weapons like guns and ammunition.
'Cause I'm killing them all on my own little mission
I'm succeeding without the use of weapons on a personal endeavour.
Now I'm not a saint but I'm not a sinner
I'm not entirely good or evil.
Now everything is cool as long as I'm getting thinner
Everything will be great as long as I become slimmer.
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
@hastekulvaati9681
I think this songs works because of the ambiguity. If she was just showing off about her awesome life the song would lose its charm.
I am sure on some level Lily Allen doesn't like the idea of Africans dying so people in the developed world can have cheap diamonds.
But like most of us she isn't exactly losing sleep over it.
I am sure most people feel a bit bad about these things and also a bit bad that they don't feel that bad about it.
It's not right but....
@sarahshaygani7803
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
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.
[Pre-chorus:]
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.
[Chorus:]
I don't know what's right and what's real anymore
And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore
And 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 fucking fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption
And it's not my fault it's how I'm programmed to function
[Pre-chorus]
[Chorus]
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's cool as long as I'm getting thinner
@estefaniaperezhidalgo545
Lyrics:
I want to be rich and I want lots of money
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'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
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
@ghostboy3551
Lily Allen was wayy ahead of her time..
@apex1615
In what way was she ahead of her time?
@ghostboy3551
@@apex1615she was ahead of her time in this particular song because everything she mentioned about being famous and social media is happening right now I.e insta models etc.....
@apex1615
like it wasnt happening then. no offense. but she isnt ahead of her time, she is just a very talented singer.
@ghostboy3551
@@apex1615 I guess it was happening but it wasn't so visual as to what it is now, but I agree with you.she is a very talented singer.
@marcirwilcox1160
Yes!!!!!!!!!
@Samuel.U
For all you none Brits, "I'll look at The Sun and I'll look in the Mirror" are two British newspapers for anyone who's unaware. One of my favourite lines of the whole song, very clever
@eclipsicallane9179
Oh my gosh all of these years that has been the one line in this song that I didn't think was satirical-- I can't believe that went over my head thank you!
@aredub1847
dont worry, brit culture is such that most internationals will know of these media outlets.
@eclipsicallane9179
Are Dub yeah the funny thing for me is that I am familiar with the sun and the mirror but they are not commonplace enough in my life that it would be something I think of upon hearing those names out of context