The synth-part is borrowed from Japanese artist Shigeo Sekitoβs song βThe World II (γΆγ»γ―γΌγβ ‘ / γ»γγγ¦γ»γ·γ²γͺ)β, which was released in 1975. Macβs version was then sampled by Wiz Khalifa in βSmoke Chambersβ and Mr. Waves in βSmooth Departureβ.
The music video for the song contains the masonic compass and square with a G (stands for God or geometry). Which fits the imagery used in this song.
This is not the first time Mac has used masonic symbols, his first band Makeout Videotapeβs album Ying Yang had many of those on its cover (the Eye of Providence, the square and the 33).
βItβs a room people go into before youβre initiated into freemasonry, Itβs like a meditation room, and they lock you in there for a period of time. The purpose is to reflect on what youβve done in your life already and move on from it. I think thatβs what I did in this chamber of reflection right here.β - Pitchfork
Chamber of Reflection
Mac DeMarco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Getting ready for the day you're born again
Spend some time alone
Understand that soon you'll run with better men
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone
No use looking out
It's within that brings that lonely feeling
Understand that when you leave here, you'll be clear
Among the better men
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone
Alone again
Alone again
Alone again
Alone
The lyrics to Mac DeMarco's song Chamber of Reflection are a contemplative and introspective take on growth and change. The opening lines advise us to "spend some time away" in order to prepare for a rebirth, for becoming new again. Mac DeMarco encourages introspection, reassuring us that once we spend some time alone, we will "run with better men," suggesting that the period of isolation, however daunting, is necessary for personal growth.
The repetition of "alone again" throughout the song acts as a reminder that while growth can be a solitary and at times lonely journey, it is worth it to go through it in order to come out "clear/ Among the better men". In the second verse, DeMarco notes that the reason we may feel lonely isn't because of anything externally, but rather our "lonely feeling" is within us. He reminds us to look inward to confront this feeling.
Overall, the song promotes taking time to reflect on oneself, facing our fears and weaknesses, and growing into the best versions of ourselves. The ebb and flow of the melody help to carry the introspective message of the lyrics and make it a haunting and memorable piece.
Line by Line Meaning
Spend some time away
Take time for yourself, away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Getting ready for the day you're born again
Prepare yourself for a fresh start, a rebirth.
Spend some time alone
Reflect on yourself and your journey without distraction or influence from others.
Understand that soon you'll run with better men
Realize that being alone and working on yourself will lead to becoming a better version of yourself, and therefore, the company you keep will also be better.
No use looking out
There's no point in looking for answers or fulfillment outside of yourself. True peace can only come from within.
It's within that brings that lonely feeling
Feeling lonely can come from a sense of disconnect or unhappiness within oneself.
Understand that when you leave here, you'll be clear
When you're ready to move on from this lonely phase, you'll have a clearer sense of self and purpose.
Among the better men
You'll be surrounded by people who uplift and inspire you, rather than bring you down.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the singer is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone
Emphasizing the isolation and loneliness felt.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the singer is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the singer is feeling.
Alone again
Repeating the loneliness that the artist is feeling.
Alone
Emphasizing the isolation and loneliness felt.
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Macbriare Samuel Lanyon Demarco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind