Neon Lights
The Vapour Veils Lyrics
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Dressed in baggy clothes quoting Morrissey
I feel stupid next to you but you don't seem to care
As we're getting high in the fog from the smoke machine
Do you believe that we will live forever?
People like us never really had a chance
So leave your card in the bar and raise your hands
And dance dance dance like there's no tomorrow
And in the neon lights
We lose control
In the flashing lights
We feel home
The snow is on the table and the lines go by
Man you took way too much this time
It's not healthy for the lungs to be coughing up blood
But it's not healthy to exist without pulse in your life
I wanna dance dance dance to a techno sound
Feel the beat and your sweaty body next to mine
And around again we go my friend
Here we go down that hole again
And in the neon lights
We lose control
In the flashing lights
We feel home
And how we shine so bright
In the neon lights
Where we live our lives
We feel home
In the neon lights
We lose control
And in the flashing lights
We feel home
The lyrics of "Neon Lights" by The Vapour Veils evoke a vivid imagery of a hedonistic lifestyle steeped in both the allure and the dangers of substance use. The phrase "heroin chic is back again" not only references a distinctive aesthetic associated with the late 1990s and early 2000s but also suggests a revival of destructive trends. The singer's attire — "baggy clothes quoting Morrissey" — encapsulates a specific subculture, merging a sense of rebellion with a nostalgic nod to iconic figures in music. This juxtaposition reveals an awareness of the contradictions within this lifestyle; while the singer feels inferior (“I feel stupid next to you”), there’s a sense of camaraderie as they indulge together in their escapism. The fog from the smoke machine adds an atmospheric, dream-like quality that complements their high, emphasizing the surreal nature of their experience. The question "Do you believe that we will live forever?" serves as a poignant commentary on the ephemeral nature of youth and hedonism, encapsulating a sense of existential yearning that runs through the piece.
The chorus, repeated throughout the song, underscores a sense of liberation that comes with being in the "neon lights." This imagery becomes a metaphor for both the bright and often blinding temptations of nightlife and the feeling of belonging found within it. “We lose control” speaks to the surrender of inhibitions that the neon environment often encourages, reflecting a common aspect of nightlife where the boundaries of self-discipline become blurred. In these moments, the flashing lights and pulsating beats create a sense of home — a refuge from the harsh realities of life outside the dance floor. This idea of belonging is paradoxical, as it ties the notion of feeling at home to places and activities that can be quite destructive, highlighting the complexity of escapism.
As the song continues, the lyrical content becomes increasingly raw and visceral. “The snow is on the table and the lines go by” evokes the stark imagery of drug use, illustrating a scene rife with the dangers that accompany such an existence. The admonition “you took way too much this time” serves as a somber reminder of the personal risks inherent in this lifestyle. The mention of coughing up blood amplifies the grim reality that substance use can lead to dire physical consequences. Yet, even in the face of these dangers, the singer recognizes the critical distinction between a life that is merely existing and one that pulses with vitality, as conveyed through the line, “it's not healthy to exist without pulse in your life.” This line captures the tension between the destructive and the exhilarating elements of their shared experience, as they seek solace and vibrancy in their nightlife exploits.
The concluding segments of the song harness a cyclical sense of inevitability, as the phrase “here we go down that hole again” suggests a knowledge of and resignation to the repetitive nature of their vices. The allure of the nightlife, characterized by both excitement and danger, captures the duality of their existence as they oscillate between euphoric highs and potential lows. It’s indicative of a generation grappling with immense pressures and searching for meaning and connection in transient moments. The repeated affirmations of feeling at home in the neon lights point to a poignant, almost tragic realization — that while the nightlife may provide a temporary escape and a sense of community, it is built upon the very instability and chaos that can lead to self-destruction. Thus, the song encapsulates a nuanced reflection on youth culture, weaving together threads of aspiration, despair, and the search for identity amid revelry.
Line by Line Meaning
Heroin chic is back again
The aesthetic tied to drug culture and an edgy lifestyle has resurfaced, marking a return to a reckless allure.
Dressed in baggy clothes quoting Morrissey
Adopting a nonchalant and alternative style while echoing melancholic and introspective thoughts reminiscent of the artist Morrissey.
I feel stupid next to you but you don't seem to care
In the presence of this person, I struggle with feelings of inadequacy, yet they appear indifferent to my insecurities.
As we're getting high in the fog from the smoke machine
Surrounded by a hazy atmosphere, we indulge in substances that elevate our minds and escape reality.
Do you believe that we will live forever?
Questioning the permanence of our existence and whether we can transcend the limitations of life.
People like us never really had a chance
Individuals from our background are often seen as having limited opportunities or a bleak future.
So leave your card in the bar and raise your hands
Embrace the moment fully; disregard responsibilities and let loose in the social setting.
And dance dance dance like there's no tomorrow
Engage in a wild celebration, living in the present without concern for the consequences of our actions.
And in the neon lights
This vibrant environment, filled with artificial brightness, serves as a backdrop for our escapism.
We lose control
In this setting, we relinquish our inhibitions and embrace recklessness.
In the flashing lights
The rapid bursts of illumination around us contribute to the overwhelming experience.
We feel home
In this chaotic and vibrant atmosphere, we find a sense of belonging and comfort.
The snow is on the table and the lines go by
Drugs, metaphorically referred to as snow, are laid out for consumption as we engage in this lifestyle.
Man you took way too much this time
There is a concerning realization that one has overindulged in substances, crossing dangerous limits.
It's not healthy for the lungs to be coughing up blood
The physical repercussions of our choices are severe, highlighting the dangers of substance abuse.
But it's not healthy to exist without pulse in your life
Living without excitement or passion may be just as damaging as the self-destructive behaviors we partake in.
I wanna dance dance dance to a techno sound
I yearn to immerse myself in rhythmic music that fosters freedom and liberation.
Feel the beat and your sweaty body next to mine
The physical connection and shared experience through dance create a sense of intimacy and belonging.
And around again we go my friend
We find ourselves caught in a repetitive cycle of indulgence and escapism.
Here we go down that hole again
We are about to embark once more on a path that leads to reckless choices.
And in the neon lights
Surrounded in this vivid, artificial glow, we continue our journey.
We lose control
We abandon our self-restraint, yielding to the atmosphere.
In the flashing lights
The rapid illumination engulfs us, intensifying our experiences.
We feel home
Within this chaotic yet lively environment, we discover our place and identity.
And how we shine so bright
In this vibrant setting, our true selves and energies radiate with intensity.
In the neon lights
This glowing backdrop encapsulates our existence and choices.
Where we live our lives
It serves as the stage for our experiences and the way we navigate our reality.
We feel home
Ultimately, we have found our refuge, our solace, amidst the chaos and vibrancy.
In the neon lights
In this bright, electric atmosphere that defines our lifestyle.
We lose control
We continue to throw caution to the wind, reveling in the thrill.
And in the flashing lights
The cyclical experience of radiant bursts of excitement moves us onward.
We feel home
Once again, we reclaim our sense of belonging in this ecstatic environment.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Magnus Haderborg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind