Vampire Weekend – Classical Lyrics
In times of war, the educated class knew what to do
In times of peace, their pupils couldn't meet your baby blues
Four hundred million animals competing for the zoo
It's such a bleak sunrise
Untrue, unkind and unnatural
How the cruel, with time, becomes classical
I know that walls fall, shacks shake
Bridges burn and bodies break, it's clear
Something's gonna change
And when it does
Which classical remains?
The temple's gone, but still, a single column stands today
That sinking feeling fades, but never really goes away
A staircase up to nothingness inside your DNA
Well, that's a bleak sunrise
Untrue, unkind and unnatural
How the cruel, with time, becomes classical
I know that walls fall, shacks shake
Bridges burn and bodies break, it's clear
Something's gonna change
And when it does
Which classical remains?
Untrue, unkind and unnatural
How the cruel, with time, becomes classical
I know that walls fall, shacks shake
Bridges burn and bodies break, it's clear
Something's gonna change
And when it does
Which classical remains?
Vampire Weekend – Classical: Analysis
Main Theme:
"Classical" by Vampire Weekend explores the tension between the permanence of the past and the inevitable change of the future. It questions what aspects of history, particularly those associated with power and cruelty, will be remembered and considered "classical" as time goes on.
Emotional Analysis:
The song evokes a sense of disillusionment and cynicism. The bleak sunrise imagery sets the tone, and lyrics like "untrue, unkind, and unnatural" highlight a critical view of the past. There's also a sense of uncertainty about the future, with questions about what will endure after inevitable change.
Key Words and Meanings:
- Educated class: Represents those in power, who may have a skewed view of history.
- Baby blues: Represents innocence and vulnerability, contrasting with the harsh realities of the world.
- Four hundred million animals competing for the zoo: A metaphor for the struggle for survival and the competitive nature of existence.
- Classical: Refers to things considered timeless and of high quality, but here it's used with a sense of irony, questioning what aspects of the past deserve such reverence.
- Walls fall, shacks shake, bridges burn, bodies break: Imagery of destruction and upheaval, hinting at the inevitable changes to come.
- Temple's gone, but still, a single column stands today: Represents the enduring remnants of the past, even if the whole structure is gone.
- Staircase up to nothingness inside your DNA: A metaphor for the inherent flaws and destructive tendencies passed down through generations.
Interesting Lines Explained:
- "In times of war, the educated class knew what to do / In times of peace, their pupils couldn't meet your baby blues" This criticizes those in power who may prioritize war and strategy over empathy and connection.
- "Untrue, unkind and unnatural / How the cruel, with time, becomes classical" This is the central question of the song. The cruelty of the past is acknowledged, but it's also pointed out that these events are often romanticized or seen as somehow inevitable over time.
- "Something's gonna change / And when it does / Which classical remains?" This emphasizes the impermanence of even the most seemingly solid structures and asks what values or ideas will truly endure.
Overall Message and Conclusion:
"Classical" challenges the glorification of the past and encourages a critical examination of history. It suggests that change is inevitable, and the song ponders what aspects of our current world will be remembered and judged in the future.
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