Peek beneath the catchy beat and vibrant animations of Gorillaz’s iconic track “Feel Good Inc.,” and you’ll find a profound social commentary. The lyrics speak of the pursuit of fleeting happiness in a consumer-driven society, a critique of our seemingly endless appetite for materialistic indulgence. “Feel Good Inc.” metaphorically speaks to an imaginary place where we are tempted to indulge but also caged by these indulgences. The song encourages us to challenge the status quo, break free, and find our own happiness instead of the one marketed to us.
Keen to unravel the story behind “Feel Good Inc.’s” infectious rhythm and melancholic verses? Come along, as we delve into this masterstroke by Gorillaz!
“Feel Good Inc.” Lyrics Meaning
Let’s embark on a journey through the verses, starting with “City’s breaking down on a camel’s back / They just have to go, ’cause they don’t know wack.” This imagery paints a stark picture of society collapsing under its own weight – the camel’s back – a potent metaphor for our collective indulgences pushing us to the brink.
As we move forward, we hit the chorus, “Windmill, windmill for the land / Turn forever hand in hand / Take it all in on your stride / It is ticking, falling down.” The windmill is a symbol of freedom and sustainability but is falling down, indicating the degradation of our environment due to human actions.
Next up, “Laughin’ gas these hazmats, fast cats / Linin’ ’em up like ass cracks.” This could allude to the overconsumption and reckless waste of resources, making a point about environmental pollution.
“Yo, we gon’ ghost town this Motown / With yo’ sound, you in the blink / Gon’ bite the dust, can’t fight with us / With yo’ sound, you kill the Inc.” These lines exhibit a rebellious tone against the establishment or the ‘Incorporation,’ implying that individuality and authentic creativity can overthrow the monotonous churn of corporate-driven culture.
“And watch the way I navigate / Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.” The laughing here can be interpreted as the laughing gas, a symbol of temporary happiness that society sells us, but the songwriter knows how to navigate through it.
The Story Behind “Feel Good Inc.”
As we attempt to understand why this song was written, it’s crucial to remember the band’s essence. Gorillaz is not just a music band but an art project born from the minds of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett. When penning down the lyrics, Albarn had a clear message to send about the repercussions of modern society’s consumerism and the false sense of happiness it promises.
Albarn’s state of mind while writing this song seems to have been reflective and critical. He could see the paradoxical nature of the corporate world – how it sells the idea of a ‘feel-good’ life, which often leads to spiritual emptiness and social collapse. Hence, “Feel Good Inc.” isn’t just a song, but a commentary on our society and a call to action for individuals to break free and find their true selves.