With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Hypermania
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
what are you thinking?
Are you serious?
how long have you had these thoughts?
Who are you now?
do you feel lonely?
Do you fantasize?
do you have dreams?
Are you real?
Are you real?
Are you real?
What are you talking about?
do you really care?
Who do you think you are?
what turns you on?
Who cares?
what's so funny?
How do you know you exist?
well I can't answer that..
Are you real?
Are you real?
Are you real?
Are you real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real?
is this real?
Are you real??
is this real
The lyrics of Therapy?'s song Hypermania explore themes of reality, identity, and mental health. The questions posed in the lyrics reflect a sense of dissociation and disorientation, as if the singer is questioning their own existence and place in the world. The repetition of "are you real?" and "is this real?" suggests a sense of instability and uncertainty. The overall tone of the song is one of confusion and unease, with the rapid-fire questions creating a sense of chaos.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the experience of hypermania, a symptom of Bipolar Disorder characterized by a state of high energy, impulsivity, and racing thoughts. The rapid-fire questioning and fragmented lyrics reflect the racing thoughts and frenetic energy associated with hypermania. Additionally, the themes of reality and identity explored in the lyrics may reflect the way that hypermania can cause a sense of distortion and detachment from reality.
Line by Line Meaning
When did this thing start?
At what point did your current state of mind begin?
What are you thinking?
Can you articulate the thoughts that are racing through your head?
Are you serious?
Is your behavior indicative of a serious condition?
How long have you had these thoughts?
Have these thoughts been persistent or have they recently emerged?
Who are you now?
Has your sense of identity shifted due to your hypermania?
Do you feel lonely?
Are you experiencing a sense of isolation during your manic state?
Do you fantasize?
Do you have unresolved desires or imaginative thoughts?
Are you real?
Are you able to distinguish reality from your hyper-manic thoughts?
Are you real?
Do you feel grounded in reality?
Are you real?
Can you see past your current state of mind?
Are you real?
Are you struggling to recognize what is real and what is not?
What are you talking about?
Can you communicate effectively during your hyper-manic state?
Do you really care?
Are you genuinely interested in the conversation or is it a result of your condition?
Who do you think you are?
Has your inflated sense of self manifested itself during your hyper-mania?
What turns you on?
What stimulates your thoughts or interests during your manic state?
Who cares?
Are you disconnected from reality to the point where you do not recognize the concerns of others?
What's so funny?
Are you able to laugh at appropriate times or do you find everything amusing due to your hyper-mania?
How do you know you exist?
Are you struggling to comprehend your own existence or purpose?
Well I can't answer that..
The question of existence is unanswerable in this context.
Are you real?
Is your grip on reality slipping due to your hyper-mania?
Are you real?
Can you ground yourself in reality despite your current state of mind?
Are you real?
Can you differentiate between what is real and what is a manifestation of your hyper-mania?
Is this real?
Are you feeling disconnected from reality?
Are you real?
Are you struggling to recognize what is real and what is not?
Is this real?
Are you questioning the authenticity of your current state of mind?
Are you real?
Are you able to call into question your perception of reality?
Is this real?
Are you feeling overwhelmed or confused by the world around you?
Are you real?
Are you able to recognize the presence of reality outside of your hyper-mania?
Is this real?
Are you able to distinguish between reality and the fictions that are born from your condition?
Are you real?
Are you struggling with a sense of unreality due to your hyper-mania?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS, FYFE EWING, MICHAEL ROBERT MCKEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind