The bands’ debut release is described as The Fall meets Neil Young- which all makes sense on the band’s debut release, “American Specialties”. The quartet wanders through the American and British underground, picking away their favorite parts with confidence. The lyrics, when intelligible, are bizarre and dramatic. “She looked at me like a fry pan reducing,” moans Savage, from the same lustful subconscious built by the darker moments of psychedelia. Then at times, such as on the 70’s folkish “Square States”, thoughts are more sentimental and transparent. The setting for “American Specialties” ranges from a crusty Brooklyn bodega, to an endless Texas desert. If these sorts of soundscapes appeal to your mind, then you're sure to stumble upon Parquet Courts sooner or later.
Normalization
Parquet Courts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What do I call bullshit?
A contemporary dilemma
Can I allow this?
Normalization, what am I thinking?
Immunization, power conditioning
Manipulated into believing
I'm exercising skepticism
Honesty is everything
Normalization, processed reality
Immunization of what goes on
Lately I've been curious, wondering
Do I pass the Turing test? Do I think?
I'm not sure I wanna know (better safe)
Can I accept this? (better safe than sorry)
Normalization, collective witnessing
Immunization of human sympathy
Normalization, prefab experience
Immunization, perceived autonomy
The song "Normalization" by Parquet Courts is a commentary on the state of society and how people are conditioned to accept what they are told as reality. The lyrics are about the struggle people face when they are confronted with decisions that challenge their beliefs and whether or not they should call out what they believe is "bullshit." The idea of normalization and immunization is presented as a way society is conditioned to accept certain truths and disregard others. The chorus speaks to this conditioning, calling out the idea that nothing is normal and that everything is manipulated to make us believe what we are told.
The lyrics suggest that skepticism is important in a world where everything is processed for us and that honesty is everything. The song raises the question of whether or not people are aware of the ways in which society is manipulated, and whether or not they want to know the truth. The chorus reiterates the theme of normalization and immunization, suggesting that we are collectively witnessing this process and that we are immunized against sympathy and autonomy.
Overall, "Normalization" is a song that speaks to the complexities of living in a world where truth is often elusive and the lines between reality and fiction are blurred. It encourages listeners to be aware of the ways in which society can manipulate their beliefs and to question everything they are told.
Line by Line Meaning
Faced with a decision
I am presented with a choice
What do I call bullshit?
How can I identify deceit?
A contemporary dilemma
A modern struggle
Can I allow this?
Should I tolerate this?
Normalization, what am I thinking?
Am I subconsciously accepting societal norms?
Immunization, power conditioning
Building up defenses against an oppressive system
Nothing is normal
The status quo is not natural or right
Manipulated into believing
Being coerced to accept falsehoods
I'm exercising skepticism
I am being critical of what I am told
Honesty is everything
Truthfulness is paramount
Normalization, processed reality
Being indoctrinated into an artificial existence
Immunization of what goes on
Working to protect oneself from oppressive influences
Lately I've been curious, wondering
I've been contemplating and questioning things
Do I pass the Turing test? Do I think?
Am I capable of autonomous thought?
I'm not sure I wanna know (better safe)
I may not want to confront the answer
Can I accept this? (better safe than sorry)
Is it better to conform for personal security?
Normalization, collective witnessing
Being part of a group mentality
Immunization of human sympathy
Protecting oneself from emotional manipulation
Normalization, prefab experience
Being fed a prepackaged life
Immunization, perceived autonomy
Working to maintain independence from external forces
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Andrew Savage, Austin Bradley Brown, Maxwell Savage, Sean Yeaton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
G Mick
This song would sound exactly like it came off Double Nickels on the Dime if there was more shred in the guitar solo
Chris D
discovered you guys thru local college station (WRAS ATL) last night (08/21/2019) and had to call in to find out who. Digging the shit out of your sound! Classic old school with a flare. Keep it up, boys!! Shared w/a friend. You have two new followers! p.s. Those bass lines are the shit!
Garrett's Garage
Awesome band
Konner Johnson
such a great song! anyone know who makes Austin and Andrew’s guitar straps?
Keyboard Kirby
I have no clue how I found this but I love it
Elliot Bell
Probs from KEXp
Bissell Hazen
Sounds like minutemen in a very good way!
Riley Webb
A most tasty bass line!
jacob
R Webb feel like its mixed a little more down than normal, could just be me
Raffy Rillo
Fucking great!