The View (Dundee, Scotland) has been active in the music scene since early … Read Full Bio ↴The View (Dundee, Scotland) has been active in the music scene since early 2005, supporting more renowned acts including Babyshambles, Primal Scream and The Undertones. The band initially based themselves at The Bayview pub in the Menzieshill district of Dundee, not too far from their native Dryburgh. From this pub, the band took their name. Shortly after they moved to The Doghouse, a respected music venue in Dundee's city centre, where they came to the attention of local music promoters, management and ever-growing fan-base. Currently signed to 1965 Records, the band's debut single, "Wasted Little DJs", was released in 2006. The single entered the UK MTV/NME video charts on tthe 9th July 2006 and climbed to top this chart the same day it reached 15 in the UK singles chart on the 13th August 2006. They have recently released their first album, 'Hats Off to the Buskers, which entered the British album chart at number one.

Neon Lights
The View Lyrics

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These neon lights are heavy
They're like laser beams cutting up a city
Bursting at the seams
Selling pain as pleasure, nightmares as a dream
Behind closed doors
The cat don't always get the cream

So, so, so many people

So why only one throne?
So, so, so many people
So why so all alone?

These neon lights
They shine so bright
These neon lights keep us up at night
These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night, woo

Its a sad, sad, sad, sad situation
These fools walk the street
Never mind running the nation
Stealing our collective concentration
Causing nothing but frustration

So, so, so many people
So why only one throne?
So, so, so many people
So why so all alone?

These neon lights
They shine so bright
These neon lights keep us up at night
These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night, oh

So, so, so many people
So why only one throne?
So, so, so many people
So why so all alone?

These neon lights
They shine so bright
These neon lights keep us up at night
These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night

These neon lights
They shine so bright
These neon lights keep us up at night
These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night

These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night
These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night
These neon lights they shine so bright
They keep us up at night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Neon Lights" by The View delve into the themes of urban life, societal pressure, and the sense of alienation in a bustling city environment. The singer portrays neon lights as a symbol of the overwhelming and harsh reality of city life. The imagery of neon lights being heavy and like laser beams cutting up a city conveys a sense of intensity and artificiality, almost like a facade that hides the underlying struggles and darkness of the city. The mention of selling pain as pleasure and nightmares as a dream suggests a pervasive sense of disillusionment and manipulation in society.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of power dynamics and inequality within society. The repetition of "So, so, so many people, so why only one throne?" highlights the disparity between the masses of individuals and the few who hold significant power or authority. This sense of being surrounded by a crowd yet feeling isolated and alone is a recurring theme throughout the song, emphasizing the disconnect and alienation prevalent in modern society.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the relentless nature of urban life and the constant stimulation that keeps people awake at night, both literally and metaphorically. The bright neon lights symbolize this constant bombardment of sensory stimuli and distractions that prevent individuals from finding peace or solace. The repetition of "These neon lights they shine so bright, they keep us up at night" reinforces this idea of a restless and chaotic existence within a cityscape.

Furthermore, the lyrics allude to the social and political issues present in society, with references to fools walking the streets and the frustration caused by those in power. The line "Never mind running the nation, stealing our collective concentration" suggests a critique of the way societal structures and distractions prevent people from focusing on what truly matters, contributing to a sense of disillusionment and helplessness among the general populace. Overall, "Neon Lights" paints a picture of a modern, fast-paced world filled with contradictions, inequalities, and a yearning for connection and meaning amid the chaos.

Line by Line Meaning

These neon lights are heavy
The overwhelming influence and pressure of modern society

They're like laser beams cutting up a city
Their intensity and impact are sharp and noticeable in urban areas

Bursting at the seams
Struggling to contain the negative effects and consequences

Selling pain as pleasure, nightmares as a dream
Promoting harmful things as desirable and ideal

Behind closed doors
Hidden from public view or awareness

The cat don't always get the cream
Success is not guaranteed or evenly distributed

Its a sad, sad, sad, sad situation
The current state is deeply disheartening

These fools walk the street
Those who make poor decisions are present everywhere

Never mind running the nation
Despite their lack of ability or wisdom to lead a country

Stealing our collective concentration
Taking away our focus and attention as a society

Causing nothing but frustration
Resulting in annoyance and dissatisfaction