In some ways, it’s the same sort of theme that's been on Ray's mind since he first launched the ever-evolving project—which began with a series of no-fi punk songs recorded at home with friends. The world doesn’t matter, life is inherently painful, but you always find a way forward amidst the bleakness. For his part, at 31, he finally feels grown-up, and a little more self-assured—his new songs offer less of the desperate emotional thrashing of his youth.
It's Just A Pop Song
Teen Suicide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and who gets my royalty checks when I die?
I should call my lawyer, I should drink more water
I haven't been to church in a while
do you wanna come over? I've got 3 Netflix accounts
and we can watch a different show on each screen
you always see right through me, what if we wrote a movie?
you know the flares they fire from sinking ships?
I haven't felt like this in a while
I guess that I should sing it
but I'm scared my heart's not in it
it's just a pop song
it's just a pop song
it feels underwhelming
do you believe in heaven?
it's just a pop song
it's just a pop song
what if I move to Boston?
should I go on Suboxone?
it's just a pop song
it's just a pop song
what do you want for dinner?
we broke up in November
it's just a pop song
it's just a pop song
In Teen Suicide's song, "It's Just a Pop Song," the lyrics reflect a sense of uncertainty and aimlessness that the singer experiences. In the beginning, the singer questions where his loyalties lie and who will receive his royalty checks upon his death, perhaps hinting at a sense of feeling lost and disconnected from his sense of purpose or identity. He then contemplates making decisions such as calling his lawyer and drinking more water, but acknowledges that he hasn't been to church in a while, perhaps indicating a neglect of spirituality or a feeling of disconnection from it.
The singer then invites someone over to his place to watch different shows on multiple screens, expressing a desire for connection and companionship. He acknowledges the other person's ability to see through him and suggests writing a movie together, possibly indicating a desire to create something meaningful. He then compares himself to a sinking ship, perhaps suggesting that he feels overwhelmed or on the brink of collapse, but also acknowledges that he hasn't felt this way in a while.
The song continues with the singer questioning his own motivation and belief in the song, wondering if he should sing it or not. He then asks the other person if they believe in heaven, hinting at the potential existential crisis he may be experiencing. He then asks about mundane matters such as dinner plans and a past breakup, juxtaposing the trivial with the profound, ultimately acknowledging that the song is a pop song and perhaps questioning the value of creating art that may be deemed underwhelming.
Overall, the lyrics of "It's Just a Pop Song" suggest the singer's internal struggle with finding meaning and purpose in his life and art, while also highlighting the importance of connection and companionship in navigating those challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
where do your loyalties lie?
What are your priorities and who or what do you prioritize?
and who gets my royalty checks when I die?
Who will benefit financially from my work after I'm gone?
I should call my lawyer, I should drink more water
I need to take care of practical matters such as legal and health issues.
I haven't been to church in a while
I haven't practiced my religion or spirituality recently.
do you wanna come over? I've got 3 Netflix accounts
Do you want to spend time together and watch shows on Netflix?
and we can watch a different show on each screen
We can each watch something different on separate devices.
you always see right through me, what if we wrote a movie?
You know me so well, maybe we could collaborate on a creative project together like writing a screenplay.
how funny would that be
That would be entertaining and enjoyable if we wrote a movie together.
you know the flares they fire from sinking ships?
Do you know the signaling device that is used when a ship is in distress and sinking?
I haven't felt like this in a while
I haven't experienced this level of emotional intensity or vulnerability for some time.
I guess that I should sing it
I should perform this song as expected.
but I'm scared my heart's not in it
I'm afraid that I won't be able to convey my true feelings when singing this song.
it's just a pop song
This is a simple and popular song, not a deep or complex work of art.
it feels underwhelming
This song is disappointing and not as fulfilling or exciting as I had hoped.
do you believe in heaven?
Do you have faith in an afterlife or higher power?
what if I move to Boston?
What if I make a big change in my life and move to a new city?
should I go on Suboxone?
Should I try this medication for opioid addiction treatment?
what do you want for dinner?
What would you like to eat for our evening meal?
we broke up in November
We ended our romantic relationship in November.
it's just a pop song
Once again, this is just a simple and popular song, not a deep or complex work of art.
Contributed by Cameron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Run For Cover Records
American Pleasure Club’s (formerly known as Teen Suicide) new album ‘A Whole Fucking Lifetime of This’ is out 2/16, listen to “this is heaven & id die for it” right here: https://youtu.be/MtHifoG2kgM
Laila Khamis
this band is so underrated
Jonathan
Agree 100%
clementineaya
tbh
Jaime Pérez Huitrón
Sounds like a mix between nostalgia and happiness.
Trynity
im so fucking pumped to see these guys in may
Grolth
do you still remember the show????
Joseph DeVaughn
how was it??
andy forsythe
I came upon this track six month sgo. I play it every Friday night since. Great song.
Grolth
The start feels like the human sadness demo from rarities 2009-2019, maybe it came from that? Either way I love both of 'em to death
edit: I think it's just a coincidence because after listening to this album in full it's p obvious that the demo led directly into The Things I Love Are Killing Me, but maybe it did seep thru into this too?? who knows, all i do know is that this song is still one of my favs