Manic Street Preachers Motorcycle Emptiness Lyrics Meaning
The Manic Street Preachers are a Welsh rock band that formed in 1986. Over the years, they have gained a massive following and have become one of the most influential bands in the UK. One of their most popular songs is "Motorcycle Emptiness" from their 1992 album "Generation Terrorists". The song's lyrics are often analyzed for their deep meaning and symbolism. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the meaning behind "Motorcycle Emptiness".
The Lyrics
Before we dive into the meaning of the song, let's take a look at the lyrics:
Culture sucks down words
Itemise loathing and feed yourself smiles
Organise your safe tribal war
Hurt maim kill and enslave the ghetto
Each day living out a lie
Life sold cheaply forever, ever, ever
Under neon loneliness, motorcycle emptiness
Under neon loneliness, motorcycle emptiness
Life lies a slow suicide
Orthodox dreams and symbolic myths
From feudal serf to spender
This wonderful world of purchase power
Just like lungs sucking on air
Survivals natural as sorrow, sorrow, sorrow
Under neon loneliness, motorcycle emptiness
Under neon loneliness, motorcycle emptiness
The Meaning
On the surface, "Motorcycle Emptiness" appears to be a song about the superficiality of modern consumer culture. The lyrics speak of "culture sucking down words" and the "wonderful world of purchase power". The song seems to be criticizing the way people are obsessed with buying things and how they are willing to sacrifice their own happiness and well-being in order to fit in with societal norms.
However, the song also touches on deeper themes such as the meaninglessness of life and the emptiness that many people feel. The lyrics "life sold cheaply forever, ever, ever" and "life lies a slow suicide" suggest that life is not worth living and that people are simply going through the motions without any real purpose or meaning.
The line "under neon loneliness, motorcycle emptiness" is particularly powerful. It speaks to the idea that we are all alone in this world and that we are searching for something to fill the void. The motorcycle is a symbol of freedom and rebellion, but in the context of the song, it represents the emptiness and meaninglessness of life.
The Video
The music video for "Motorcycle Emptiness" is also worth mentioning. It features the band performing in a white room while images of consumer culture are projected onto the walls. The video is a commentary on the way we are bombarded with advertisements and messages telling us what to buy and how to live our lives. The band is shown as being separate from this world, but still unable to escape its influence.
Conclusion
"Motorcycle Emptiness" is a powerful song that speaks to the emptiness and meaninglessness that many people feel in modern society. The song's lyrics and music video provide a commentary on consumer culture and the way it influences our lives. The song has become a classic and has resonated with audiences for decades.