In early 2005, Lior released his debut album, "Autumn Flow". The album was nominated for three ARIA Awards: Best Breakthrough Artist, Best Male Artist, and Best Independent Release, the album was also nominated for the J Award, presented by youth radio station Triple J for the "Australian Album of the Year" . Due to the success of "Autumn Flow" in Australia, it was subsequently released overseas.
In 2006 Lior was further nominated for two ARIA Awards for his live album "Doorways of My Mind" - Best Blues and Roots Album; and Best Independent Release.
In February 2008, Lior's second album, "Corner of an endless road" was released.
In 2010, Lior released his third studio album, 'Tumbling into the Dawn'.
Superficial
Lior Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
wardrobe full of tricks and illusions,
immaculate responses that never give an inch away,
'cause when they're checking you out,
it's not easy to keep the demons at bay.
Superficial world we're living in.
trying to live out magazine dreams,
sometimes you want to be just like them.
Things should not be as hard as they seem.
Immaculate responses that never slip to show,
that you're feeling alone,
'cause when they're checking you out,
there's terror of facades breaking down.
Superficial world we're living in.
But I know that you can see,
the superficiality.
I know that you can see,
the person you never want to be.
Superficial world we're living in.
Lior's song "Superficial" is a commentary on the superficial and image-obsessed nature of modern society. The lyrics are structured around the idea of a person carefully constructing a facade of perfection to present to the world. The first stanza describes the lengths one goes to present a perfect image, including carefully aligning mirrors, and using tricks and illusions. The person in the song has immaculate responses, never cracking or showing vulnerability, as they try to maintain their perfect facade. The song notes that this kind of presentation is not sustainable, and that it requires constant effort to maintain.
The song expresses a deep sadness at the nature of the superficial world we live in. It highlights the unrealistic pressure that people face to maintain a perfect image, and the constant anxiety and terror that comes with the possibility of that facade breaking down. The song's chorus repeatedly declares that the world is superficial, a statement that seems to be both an indictment of the world and an invitation to see it for what it is.
At its core, "Superficial" is a call for authenticity in a world obsessed with image. The song recognizes that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found by seeing through the superficiality of the world around us and embracing our true selves. In the end, the song holds out hope that we can break free from the demands of superficiality and live fully and authentically.
Line by Line Meaning
Angle of the mirror so carefully aligned
The mirror in front of me is set at the perfect angle to create the illusion of a perfect image of myself.
Wardrobe full of tricks and illusions
I have filled my closet with clothes that give the false impression that I am someone I am not.
Immaculate responses that never give an inch away
I have rehearsed lines and responses that always keep others at arm's length and never reveal the real me.
'cause when they're checking you out, it's not easy to keep the demons at bay
When people are watching and judging me, it is hard to ignore my insecurities and fears about being exposed.
Superficial world we're living in.
Our society is focused on appearances rather than substance.
See the catalogue models, trying to live out magazine dreams, sometimes you want to be just like them.
The idealized and airbrushed images of models in magazines can make me wish I was just like them, despite knowing they aren't real.
Things should not be as hard as they seem.
I wish it were easier to be satisfied with who I am, instead of constantly striving for an unattainable ideal.
Immaculate responses that never slip to show, that you're feeling alone,
I am so practiced at hiding my true feelings that it seems like I am never affected by loneliness or sadness.
'cause when they're checking you out, there's terror of facades breaking down.
The thought of others discovering that my perfect image is just a facade causes me to feel fearful and anxious.
But I know that you can see, the superficiality.
I believe that you, the listener, can see through the superficialities of our society, and recognize that there is more to life than appearances.
I know that you can see, the person you never want to be.
I know that you can see who you don't want to become, someone who is completely consumed by the superficialities of society.
Superficial world we're living in.
Our society is focused on appearances rather than substance.
Contributed by Lauren J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.