Art Star
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Lyrics

The lyrics of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Art Star” speak of the desperate pursuit of fame and recognition in the art world. The singer of the song is working on a piece that tackles the themes of sex and desperation, likely in an attempt to shock or captivate an audience. The use of abandoned train stations as a setting for sexual encounters suggests a grimy, underground subculture that the singer is trying to tap into.

The repeated refrain of “Art star, art star” serves as a mantra for the singer, who is fixated on achieving success in the art world. The counting off of numbers in the opening lines, one through four, could signify a countdown to the unveiling or completion of the artwork in question, as if it’s a race against time to get their work recognized before it’s too late. The repetition of “do” throughout the song gives the impression of someone frenetically working on something, trying to perfect it or make it stand out.

Ultimately, the lyrics of “Art Star” criticize the cutthroat nature of the art world and the way artists must often resort to shock tactics or selling out to gain recognition. The line “its a madhouse, this modern life” speaks to the overwhelming chaos that comes with trying to make a career in the arts, and the line “my faithless bride” suggests a sense of betrayal or disillusionment with the pursuit of fame.