High Acetate
Rival Schools Lyrics

In the song "High Acetate" by Rival Schools, it seems to be about the pressure and expectations of society, particularly when it comes to physical appearance. The first line, "Trouble abounds when you're left out of the makeup," suggests that people who don't conform to society's beauty standards can face difficulty and perhaps even discrimination. Then, in the next line, the lyrics talk about "Sunday dreams, a launch of schemes to overwhelm," implying that the pressure to look a certain way can be all-consuming, even invading one's thoughts and dreams.

However, the singer seems to be pushing back against this pressure, saying "I hope I'm the only one to weigh in on the colors I choose." The use of the word "weigh" here is particularly interesting, as it could be a double entendre referring both to the physical weight of one's body and the emotional weight of societal pressure. The chorus then repeats the phrase "high acetate, fly elevate," which could suggest rising above the pressure and reaching new heights.

The lyrics then take a surreal turn when the singer starts talking about "unrealistic ideas float[ing] in like reindeers that pull the sleigh." This imagery adds a sense of whimsy to the song while also highlighting the absurdity of the expectations placed on people. The line "I bet you never thought your movie would turn out this way" could also be interpreted as a reference to the idea of life being like a movie or a performance, with one's looks and actions constantly under scrutiny. The singer then leaves behind the pressure, saying "Can't take it, it's mine / Leave it behind, it's your chance to make," suggesting that people should reject these harmful societal expectations and focus on their own goals.