“Something Good” by alt-J is a touching track that captures the essence of longing and the quest for solace in the aftermath of a significant relationship. The song uses rich metaphors and imagery, weaving a narrative that resonates with loss, nostalgia, and the bittersweetness of moving on. The songwriter appears to be sending a message about the complexity of emotions one goes through after a breakup and the desperate need for something good to overshadow the pain, even if just for a moment.
Interested in the deep dive of alt-J’s “Something Good”? This song isn’t just about forgetting a past love, but a journey through memories, acceptance, and the search for solace.
“Something Good” Lyrics Meaning
“Something good, Oh something good, Oh something good, Oh something good tonight will make me forget about you for now.” The repetition of the phrase ‘something good’ underscores a desperate need for a reprieve from the heartache associated with memories of a past love. The protagonist is yearning for a momentary distraction that will provide solace and help them forget, even if just temporarily.
“Get high, Hit the floor before you go.” This line could be interpreted as an attempt to numb the pain, seeking solace in escapism before finally letting go. The reference to getting high and hitting the floor paints a vivid picture of someone on the verge of collapse, desperate for something – anything – to help them cope.
“Matador, Estocada, you’re my blood sport.” Here, the song introduces the metaphor of a matador, a bullfighter, which could symbolize the protagonist’s struggle with their emotions. Estocada, the final sword thrust in a bullfight, might represent the final blow to their relationship. The reference to blood sport suggests that this emotional turmoil is both violent and consuming.
“48 thousand seats, Bleats and roars for my memories of you.” The imagery of an arena filled with spectators highlights the intensity and magnitude of the protagonist’s memories. The memories are depicted as both overwhelming and inescapable.
“Now that I’m fully clean, The matador is no more and is dragged from view.” These lines suggest a sense of cleansing and the end of the struggle. The protagonist appears to have come to terms with their emotions, and the matador – the struggle – is no longer in the picture.
In the final repetition of “something good,” there’s a sense of closure and acceptance as if the protagonist has found the solace they were seeking, or at least, they have come to terms with their memories.
The Story Behind “Something Good”
“Something Good” is a track from alt-J’s debut album, “An Awesome Wave,” released in 2012. At this point in their career, the band was exploring different sounds and themes, weaving intricate narratives through their music.
The state of mind of the songwriter could have been one of introspection and reflection, delving into the complexities of relationships and the aftermath of a breakup. The use of metaphors and imagery in the lyrics suggests a deep and nuanced understanding of these themes, as well as a desire to communicate the intense emotions and journey of recovery associated with them.
Ultimately, “Something Good” stands as a testament to alt-J’s ability to craft songs that are both musically captivating and lyrically profound, exploring the depths of the human experience and the bittersweet journey of moving on from a past love.