Electricityscape
The Strokes Lyrics


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Oh, with strangers to impress so near
Old friends don't realize I'm here
I wish two drinks were always in me
I'd pretend I had the perfect ear

Take me to the water
Make me understand that I was wrong
For me, tomorrow is my first day
So please, don't tempt me in the wrong way

It's almost after midnight
I can see the city lights, we're here

Change your mind tonight
You belong to the city now
And you're closer now, I know
You belong on the radio

Well, I swear I'll give it back tomorrow
But for now, I think that I'll just borrow

All the chords from that song
And all the words from that other song
I heard yesterday

Change your mind tonight
You belong to the city now
And you're closer now, I know
You belong on the radio





I will not disturb you
I was just returning you the compliment

Overall Meaning

"Electricityscape" explores themes of isolation, detachment, and the desire for escape. The opening line "Oh, it's strange to impress a mirror" suggests a sense of disconnection from oneself, as if the persona is not sure of who they are or what they want to be. The following line "Oh friends don't realize I'm here" reinforces this idea of detachment from others, as if the persona is surrounded by people but still feels alone. They wish to be under the influence of alcohol all the time, which can be a way to escape reality and its complexities.


The chorus brings in the idea of change and belonging to the city. The persona seems to be questioning their identity and wondering where they fit in, wishing for a change. The refrain "Change your mind, tonight, you belong to the city now" can be interpreted as a desire to give in to the city and fully embrace its energy and vibrant atmosphere. Yet, the following line "I will not disturb you, I was just returning you the compliment" suggests that the persona is aware of the city's overpowering effect and does not want to disrupt it, simply paying it back through their own presence.


Overall, "Electricityscape" is an evocative and introspective song that explores the complexities of human relationships, the need for escape, and the search for identity in an urban environment. It highlights the struggle that many people go through to find a sense of belonging in a fast-paced and often overwhelming world.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh it's strange to impress a mirror
It feels bizarre to try to impress oneself while looking in the mirror


Oh friends don't realize I'm here
The singer feels unnoticed by their friends and wishes they could stand out more


I wish two drinks were always in me
The singer wishes they were always a little tipsy because they feel more confident and carefree when they've had a few drinks


I pretend I had the perfect day
The artist pretends to have had a great day even though they might not have


Take me to the water
The artist wants to be taken somewhere peaceful, like the water


Make me understand that I was wrong
The singer wants someone to help them see their mistakes and learn from them


For me tomorrow is my first day
The singer sees each day as a new opportunity to start fresh


So please don't tempt at a wrong way
The artist asks for guidance and support to make sure they don't make mistakes and go down the wrong path


Its almost after midnight
It's almost the end of the night


I can see the city lights ahead
The artist sees the bright lights of the city in the distance


Change your mind, tonight
The singer wants someone to change their mind tonight


You belong to the city now
The person in question now belongs to the city


When you're closer now I know
The singer realizes the person in question is now closer to them


You belong on the radio
The person in question should be famous and heard by many people through the radio


I swear I'll give it back tomorrow
The singer promises to return something they borrowed the next day


But for now I think that ill just borrow
The artist decides to hang onto the borrowed item for a bit longer


All the quotes from that song
The artist remembers and holds onto all the lyrics from that song


And all the words from whatever song I heard
The singer also remembers and holds onto lyrics from other songs they've heard


Yes that day
Specifically, they remember these lyrics from that day


I will not disturb you
The artist doesn't want to bother or inconvenience someone else


I was just returning you the compliment
The artist sees their actions as simply returning a favor or kind gesture that was shown to them




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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