The title is a reference to a book called The Limits to Growth (1972) and the Club of Rome think-tank who would create a "map of the problematique" detailing the "global problematique" - a set of likely challenges the world might face in the near future. The Limits to Growth correctly predicted the economic crisis of 2008. In addition, the opening lyric, "fear and panic in the air" may be a reference to Mars, in that the red planet's two moons are named Phobos and Deimos, who were the Greek gods of Fear and Panic. Such a connection would fit in with numerous references to Mars in the album. It bears similarity with the music of Depeche Mode, especially Enjoy the Silence, and is a rare track in musical terms as it does not use the dominant chord ever in the riff: C minor, E flat major, A flat major, F minor.
"Map of the Problematique" was used in trailers for Children of Men (2006). Also used in the commercial for Prison Break. A short clip of the song was also used during the BBC's coverage of Rugby Sevens World Series.
"Map of the Problematique" originated from rehearsals before the recording of Black Holes and Revelations, and was one of the later songs the band started work on. It was originally played on synthesisers before being transferred to guitar, giving it a much darker sound, although initially the intention was to keep it as keyboard-orientated as possible. The rhythm section was recorded after the guitar tracks. This was different to anything the band had done before, according to Chris Wolstenholme, "because the whole theme of the song was based more on the sound and creation of this sound".
In very early live performances of the song, Matt Bellamy replaced the first three lines of the second verse with the following:
See a future on the run Running away And our judgement has begun
For performances of the song during the recent The Resistance Tour, Bellamy slightly adjusted the lyrics again. Instead of the second instance of
Since I met you
Bellamy now sings
Since I lost you
This is likely due to the fact that Matt and Gaia Polloni broke up during the tour.
The song reached number 18 in the UK singles chart in its first week of release, and was more successful than "Invincible", the previous single.
The song was used in numerous television adverts through 2006 and 2007, including British science fiction television series Primeval, TV spots for the 2006 film Children of Men, and during Live Earth. It has also been featured on Top Gear during Season 8, Episode 7 and Season 10, Episode 5 and, in the UK, samples were played on golfing events either before advertisements or when it moves on to another part of the event, and was used in numerous episodes of Masterchef. "Map of the Problematique" was also used as an entry song into the last episode of Doctor Who Confidential in the fourth series, entitled "Journey's End". RAI International television of Italy also uses it as an introduction to the news programme Italia Chiama Italia. The song was rated at #82 in Q Magazine's 100 lost tracks of 2006 list.
Map of Problematique
Muse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to be free
From desolation and despair
And I feel like everything I saw
Is being swept away
When I refuse to let you go
I can't get it right
Since I met you
Loneliness be over
When will this loneliness be over
Life will flash before my eyes
So scattered almost
I want to touch the other side
And no one thinks they are to blame
Why can't we see
That when we bleed we bleed the same
I can't get it right
Get it right
Since I met you
Loneliness be over
When will this loneliness be over
Loneliness be over
When will this loneliness be over
In “Map of the Problematique,” Muse sings about finding personal freedom in the face of fear and panic. The singer longs to be liberated from the feelings of despair and loneliness that have been consuming them. Throughout the song, the singer seems to be reflecting on the past and anticipating the future, feeling that their life is flashing before their eyes. There is a feeling of chaos in the lyrics, with the singer feeling scatterbrained and wanting to touch the “other side” – perhaps referencing a desire to escape their current situation.
Despite this feeling of being lost, there is a persistent message of unity throughout the song. The singer acknowledges that everyone suffers and bleeds the same, suggesting that perhaps we can find solace and connection in shared experiences. However, the most important message in “Map of the Problematique” is the power of love to overcome fear and loneliness. The singer admits that they haven't been able to “get it right” since meeting someone, implying that they've found comfort in another person.
Line by Line Meaning
Fear, and panic in the air
The surroundings convey an atmosphere of terror and anxiety
I want to be free
Yearning for liberty and liberation from current circumstances
From desolation and despair
Seeking escape from misery and hopelessness
And I feel like everything I saw
The occurrences witnessed in the past seem to vanish away
Is being swept away
Sensation of things getting washed away from sight
When I refuse to let you go
Refusal to relinquish one's hold over someone or something
I can't get it right
Get it right
Since I met you
Inability to do things the right way since meeting that certain person
Loneliness be over
When will this loneliness be over
The longing has become overwhelming, and the person yearns for relief from solitude
Life will flash before my eyes
The memories of one's life will flow rapidly through the mind
So scattered almost
I want to touch the other side
Feelings of confusion and disorientation accompanied by a desire to cross over to the unknown
And no one thinks they are to blame
People refuse to accept any responsibility for the current state of affairs
Why can't we see
That when we bleed we bleed the same
If everyone could realize that we all bleed the same, it could change their perspective
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATT BELLAMY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Makeshift innocence
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