Nausea
WOHNZIMMER - Beck Lyrics

The song "Nausea" by Beck is a commentary on the disorientation and disillusionment experienced by the singer. In the first verse, the lyrics describe the feeling of being overwhelmed and unsettled, comparing it to being a sea-sick sailor on a ship of noise. The use of the phrase "maps all backwards" suggests a lack of direction or clarity, and the mention of poisoned instincts highlights a sense of being led astray.

The line "In a truth-blown gutter full of wasted years" paints a picture of a life filled with disappointment and regret. The blown-out speakers ringing in the singer's ears symbolize the constant reminder of past mistakes or failures. This repetition of "nausea" in the chorus emphasizes the intensity of these feelings and suggests that they are consuming and overpowering.

In the second verse, the lyrics shift to a different perspective. The singer describes themselves as a "straight-line walker" in a "black-out room," symbolizing a sense of disconnection and feeling lost. The image of pushing a shopping cart in an Aztec ruin adds to the surreal and disorienting nature of the song. The mention of "minion fingers" working for some unknown god reflects the concept of being controlled or influenced by external forces.

The bridge of the song breaks into a flurry of exclamations and energetic sounds, perhaps representing a burst of frustration or release of pent-up emotions. It adds to the chaotic atmosphere and reinforces the theme of disorientation.

The final verse presents a new perspective of the singer as a "priest teenager" in a desolate environment. Being a "dead generator" in a cloud of exhaust suggests a lack of vitality or purpose. The reference to skulls as pets in a long-living desert paints a bleak and desolate picture. The use of lead cigarettes to rate the days one to ten implies a self-destructive behavior or a numbing of emotions.

Overall, "Nausea" explores themes of disillusionment, confusion, and a sense of being lost in a chaotic and disorienting world. The repetition of the word "nausea" throughout the song emphasizes the overwhelming nature of these feelings and the sense of being consumed by them. The lyrics evoke a sense of detachment and frustration, reflecting the struggles of navigating through a disorienting existence.