Diamandis' musical style ranges from keyboard-based ballads to more up-tempo new wave-style songs with full band backing. She has cited a wide range of influences such as Daniel Johnston, Blondie, Patti Smith, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, Elliott Smith, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears and Madonna.
Are You Satisfied?
Marina & the Diamonds Lyrics
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The day I got the deal, chemically calm
Was I meant to feel happy
That my life was just about to change?
One life pretending to be
The cat who got the cream
Oh, everybody said, "Marina is a dreamer"
What you're gonna be is not my problem if you don't see what I see
And I do not give a damn if you don't believe
My problem is my problem that I never am happy
It's my problem, it's my problem on how fast I will succeed
Are you satisfied with an average life?
Do I need to lie to make my way in life?
High achiever, don't you see?
Baby, nothing comes for free
They say I'm a control freak
Driven by a greed to succeed
Nobody can stop me
'Cause it's my problem if I wanna pack up and run away
It's my business if I feel the need to smoke and drink and sway
It's my problem, it's my problem if I feel the need to hide
And it's my problem if I have no friends and feel I want to die
Are you satisfied with an average life?
Do I need to lie to make my way in life?
Are you satisfied with an easy ride?
Once you cross the line will you be satisfied?
Sad inside, in this life
Unsatisfied, praying
Sad inside, in this life
Unsatisfied, waiting
Are you satisfied with an average life?
Do I need to lie to make my way in life?
Are you satisfied with an easy ride?
Once you cross the line will you be satisfied?
Black, white (are you satisfied, are you satisfied?)
Black, white (are you satisfied, are you satisfied?)
Black, white (are you satisfied, are you satisfied?)
Black, white (are you satisfied, are you satisfied?)
In "Are You Satisfied?," Marina & the Diamonds presents a reflective introspection on the pressures and expectations that come with success. She details the paradox of feeling chemically calm yet emotionally conflicted on the day that she signed a record deal, questioning whether she should be happy about her life just because it is about to change. Marina highlights the societal expectations and stereotypes that come with success, mentioning how people like to label her as a dreamer and a control freak driven by greed to succeed.
Throughout the song, Marina makes it clear that she is in charge of her own destiny and that success does not come without its struggles. She seems to be calling out the cultural obsession with materialism and seeking validation from others. Marina makes it clear that her happiness is her own problem and that she is not concerned if others do not believe in her dreams. The chorus "Are you satisfied with an average life? Do I need to lie to make my way in life?" seems to be a rhetorical question directed towards herself as she contemplates whether she is content with her current pursuits or if she needs to be dishonest to get ahead. The song ends on a bleak note with the repetition of "unsatisfied, waiting," which further emphasizes the dissatisfaction expressed throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I was pulling out my hair
I was very anxious and stressed out
The day I got the deal, chemically calm
Even though I got a record deal, I wasn't necessarily happy and may have been relying on chemicals to keep me calm
Was I meant to feel happy
I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be happy simply because I had achieved something big
That my life was just about to change?
I was questioning whether a change in my life was actually a good thing
One life pretending to be
I'm pretending to be someone I'm not
The cat who got the cream
Acting like I have something to brag about or that I'm better than others
Oh, everybody said, "Marina is a dreamer"
People call me a dreamer, but I see myself as a visionary
People like to tell you
People tend to give unsolicited advice or opinions
What you're gonna be is not my problem if you don't see what I see
If you can't see what I believe or see as valuable, that's okay and not my problem
And I do not give a damn if you don't believe
I don't care if you don't share my opinion or perspective
My problem is my problem that I never am happy
I struggle with finding happiness, even with success
It's my problem, it's my problem on how fast I will succeed
How quickly I achieve success is also my problem and something I may feel pressured about
Are you satisfied with an average life?
I'm asking if others are content with mediocrity or if they also strive for more
Do I need to lie to make my way in life?
I question whether I have to deceive or compromise to achieve success
High achiever, don't you see?
I see myself as someone who always wants to accomplish more
Baby, nothing comes for free
I believe that success doesn't come without hard work and sacrifice
They say I'm a control freak
Others may view me as being too strict or particular, especially about my work
Driven by a greed to succeed
My ambition is fueled by a desire to achieve, sometimes to the point of excess
Nobody can stop me
I'm confident that nothing can get in the way of my success
'Cause it's my problem if I wanna pack up and run away
If I want to quit or leave this lifestyle, that's my decision and responsibility
It's my business if I feel the need to smoke and drink and sway
The choices I make to cope with stress or anxiety are my own
It's my problem, it's my problem if I feel the need to hide
If I want to keep parts of myself private, that's my right and may be a way for me to feel safe
And it's my problem if I have no friends and feel I want to die
If I'm struggling with my mental health or isolation, that's my responsibility to seek help and support
Sad inside, in this life
Sometimes I feel sad and unsatisfied with my life, even when things seem to be going well
Unsatisfied, praying
I'm hoping to find more fulfillment and contentment
Unsatisfied, waiting
I'm waiting to find something that will make me truly happy
Black, white (are you satisfied, are you satisfied?)
The repetition of 'black, white' may be referencing the idea of dualities, as in everything either being one thing or the other. The question 'are you satisfied?' is also repeated, further emphasizing the theme of searching for something more.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marina Lambrini Diamandis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind