While it touches on themes of urban life and its challenges, the song’s title and certain lyrics hint at the hedonistic pleasures that sometimes come with city living. There’s a sense of duality here – pleasure and the lurking shadows behind it. The songwriters seem to comment on transient pleasures, the quest for them, and the unexpected consequences they might bring. The beats and lyrics create an eerie atmosphere, giving listeners a sonic and thematic adventure.
Curious about alt-J’s distinctively cryptic lyricism?
“Fitzpleasure” Lyrics Meaning
Starting with the hypnotic “Tra la la tra la tra-ah la“, alt-J immerses us in a rhythmic world, maybe suggesting that the song’s narrative is a universal chant, an age-old tale that everyone knows but seldom acknowledges.
When we hit “In your snatch fitzpleasure“, it’s evident the track doesn’t shy away from adult themes. The “snatch” might symbolize the city’s allure or the enticements people fall for. The “broom-shaped pleasure” that’s “Deep greedy and googling every corner” can depict the desperate search for gratification in all the wrong places.
The lines “Dead in the middle. Of the C-O double M-O-N” and the mention of the “Mandela Boys” reflect on the urban challenges faced by the youth. It’s a snapshot of the transition from innocence to adulthood, impacted by the environment they grow up in. “Tall woman. Pull the pylons down. And wrap them around the necks” speaks volumes. Here, the ‘tall woman’ could symbolize the allure of the city or perhaps certain societal constructs, leading individuals down paths they never anticipated, symbolized by the ‘feckless men’ trapped by their own pursuits.
In the mention of “Steepled fingers“, we sense a critique of those in power, making decisions that affect the many. While “queue jumpers” and “rock fist paper scissors” suggest the hustle of urban life, everyone jostling, making quick decisions, and sometimes, just going with the flow without deep thought. The lyric, “In your hoof lies the heartland. Where we tent for our treasure, pleasure, leisure” shows the constant quest for pleasure and perhaps how it’s sometimes sought without thinking of consequences. The end note, “Les yeux, it’s all in your eyes” underscores the song’s message – everything is about perception, how you see the world and your place in it.
The Story Behind “Fitzpleasure”
alt-J, since their formation, has been known to incorporate eclectic inspirations into their songs. It’s not just about the music, but about the stories they tell, the ideas they express, and the emotions they convey. The band’s music often weaves together a tapestry of contemporary issues, personal experiences, and observations from their surroundings.
During the time “Fitzpleasure” was created, alt-J were in a transformative phase. From being university friends to suddenly finding themselves in the spotlight with their debut album, they were navigating the choppy waters of fame. This transition and exposure to a more glamorous yet demanding world might have impacted the themes in the song.
Additionally, “Fitzpleasure” was influenced by the book ‘Last Exit to Brooklyn’ by Hubert Selby Jr. The novel is an unfiltered look into the rough neighborhoods of Brooklyn in the 1950s, touching upon several challenging topics. alt-J’s choice to derive inspiration from such a book indicates their inclination to touch upon darker themes, hinting at the gritty underbelly of urban life and the often concealed facets of society.
In essence, while the song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, knowing the backdrop adds layers to our understanding. It’s a meld of their personal transitions, external influences, and a desire to voice the often voiceless narratives of society.