"Please Come Home" is very proggy, but it’s more about atmosphere than technical expertise, inspired by his love of science fiction and interest in the evolution of the human race.
Suburbia
Lonely Robot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There′s two of these and one of those
And plans to overthrow
So as the curtains twitch and you become the prey
Your paranoia polaroided each and every day
Just be aware, it's as they stare
Perpetual mental disrepair
Suburbia, your model life perfect white picket fences
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all
Beware the perfect ones and look out for their cracks
There′s two of these and dreary prose
And nothing round the back
Should you get caught alive, absorbed into their hive
They'll vacuum pack your intellect til dead behind the eyes
Just be aware, it's as they stare
From out behind this vapid glare
Suburbia, your model life perfect white picket fences
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all
Suburbia, your model life paralyzed lack of senses
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us
These little cells, their private hells
Of middle-income broker dreams
So do your time, your nine to fives
And you too can aspire
And expire, or so it seems
In suburbia
Suburbia
Run away
From suburbia
Suburbia, your model life perfect white picket fences
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all
Suburbia, your model life paralyzed lack of senses
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us
The lyrics of "Suburbia" by Lonely Robot critically examine the facade of suburban life, a realm often idealized for its cohesion and aesthetics. The opening lines serve as a cautionary note regarding the seemingly innocuous nature of those around us. The phrase "beware the quiet ones" suggests that understated individuals can harbor unsettling secrets or intentions. This concept is mirrored in the imagery of “curtains twitching,” symbolizing the constant surveillance inherent in a close-knit community. The singer reflects on the oppressive weight of paranoia and scrutiny that comes from living in a place where everyone is acutely aware of each other’s actions. The “perpetual mental disrepair” indicates how this environment can lead to psychological distress, as one feels watched and judged, living in a constant state of anxiety.
As the song progresses, it delves into the paradox of suburban perfection, where “perfect white picket fences” serve as a literal and metaphorical boundary. These fences symbolize the illusory ideals of safety, order, and success that suburban life promotes, while the lines, “Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all,” suggest a deeper disconnection and isolation beneath the surface. This privatization implies that individuals retreat into their personal sanctuaries, often estranged from the communal ideals they are expected to uphold. The act of demonizing others further emphasizes the competitive ethos of suburbia, where one’s success is often achieved at the expense of communal bonds. In this sense, the suburb transforms from a place of refuge to a breeding ground for envy and pretense, leading to a decline in genuine human connection.
The latter part of the lyrics further critiques the superficiality of suburban life. The cautionary tone shifts towards those who embody the “perfect ones,” critiquing their seemingly flawless existence filled with “dreary prose” and a significant lack of depth. The idea of being “vacuum packed” suggests an eradication of individuality and intellect, highlighting a conformist undertone where creative aspirations are stifled. The singer warns against being absorbed into the collective mindset of the “hive,” a metaphor for the pressures to conform within suburban culture. This leads to a draining of vitality and genuine passion, resulting in individuals who appear “dead behind the eyes.” The imagery cements the idea that for many, submission to the demands of suburban life results in intellectual and emotional death, challenging the narrative of suburban success.
Ultimately, the repetition of “run away from suburbia” serves as a rallying cry and a call to action against this homogenized existence. The phrase captures a visceral desire for escape from what is perceived as a monotonous cycle of “nine to fives” and mundane aspirations. The mantra echoes the need for liberation from a life that prioritizes material gain and societal approval over personal fulfillment and authenticity. By framing suburbia as a “model life” that paralyzes “lack of senses,” the song speaks to the broader theme of existential crisis experienced by those trapped within its confines. The overarching message is that true fulfillment lies outside the restrictive parameters of suburban life, urging listeners to seek a more meaningful and vibrant existence beyond the white picket fences.
Line by Line Meaning
Beware the quiet ones or so the saying goes
Take caution around those who seem calm and reserved, as they might harbor hidden agendas or dangers.
There′s two of these and one of those
In a world full of varying personas, we encounter both the ordinary and the unusual.
And plans to overthrow
Some among us are secretly plotting to disrupt the status quo or challenge established systems.
So as the curtains twitch and you become the prey
As we become hyper-aware of our surroundings, we realize we might be under scrutiny or targeted.
Your paranoia polaroided each and every day
Your growing anxiety and suspicion are captured vividly and revisited repeatedly in your mind.
Just be aware, it's as they stare
Stay conscious of the fact that others are watching you critically or judgmentally.
Perpetual mental disrepair
A constant state of psychological distress or dysfunction that seems unending.
Suburbia, your model life perfect white picket fences
The idealized suburban lifestyle is often portrayed as flawless and secure, represented by its neat, white picket fences.
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all
Within each individual lies a tendency to isolate feelings and perceptions while negatively judging others.
Beware the perfect ones and look out for their cracks
Stay alert to those who seem flawless, as they likely have underlying flaws or vulnerabilities.
There′s two of these and dreary prose
In life, there are both mundane realities and bleak narratives that shape our perceptions.
And nothing round the back
There may be emptiness or lack of substance hidden away from public view.
Should you get caught alive, absorbed into their hive
If you find yourself entangled with conforming social groups, you risk losing your individuality.
They'll vacuum pack your intellect til dead behind the eyes
These social pressures can stifle creativity and analytical thinking, leading to a lifeless existence.
Just be aware, it's as they stare
Remain conscious of the judgmental gaze of others surrounding you.
From out behind this vapid glare
It's crucial to recognize that the superficial expressions of others often mask a lack of genuine emotion.
Suburbia, your model life perfect white picket fences
Once more highlighting the illusion of an idyllic suburban existence, where everything appears pristine.
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all
Acknowledging the inner judgment and separation we create from others based on our limited perspectives.
Suburbia, your model life paralyzed lack of senses
This suburban lifestyle can lead to a stagnation of senses and emotional responses.
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us
Reiterating that inward judgment and isolation affects our connection with others.
These little cells, their private hells
Referring to the suffocating, constrictive living spaces people inhabit, which can feel like prisons.
Of middle-income broker dreams
The aspirations of the average class often revolve around financial stability and societal expectations.
So do your time, your nine to fives
Enduring the daily grind of work is seen as the path toward achieving those societal aspirations.
And you too can aspire
If you conform and follow the expected route, you too can pursue a better life or societal acceptance.
And expire, or so it seems
But in this pursuit, one risks the possibility of losing their vitality or sense of self.
In suburbia
Reaffirming the setting of these revelations and observations—the suburban landscape.
Suburbia
Emphasizing yet again the overarching theme of suburban life.
Run away
An urgent call to escape from the restrictions and emptiness of suburban existence.
From suburbia
A final plea to leave behind the confining nature of suburban life in search of something deeper.
In suburbia
Reaffirming the persistent nature of the subject matter and setting.
Suburbia, your model life perfect white picket fences
Reiterating the deceptive façade of an ideal suburban life, suggesting a hidden truth.
Behind your eyes, you privatize and demonize us all
The perpetual cycle of judgment and separation continues, emphasizing its critical impact on human connection.
Writer(s): John Mitchell
Contributed by Victoria D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.