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Length: 5:13
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
These days my life I feel it has no purpose
But late at night the feelings swim to the surface
'Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They're calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
We rode our bikes to the nearest park
Sat under the swings and kissed in the dark
You shield my eyes from the police lights
We run away, but we don't know why
The black river, your city lights shine
They're screaming at us, "We don't need your kind"
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
Can we ever get away from the sprawl?
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
My favourite Arcade Fire track. That's not saying much but I like to give credit where it's due.
Yeach, something about them is just a hair too slick for my liking. They are very good at what they do, however.
This is exactly the song that I set out to write whilst living in the sprawl of Greater Toronto as an angsty teen. All those 'monopoly' houses, jammed cheek to jowl; each proclaiming their individuality with a slightly different brick pattern or roof line. The carefully designed cul-de-sacs filling every nook and cranny of what was once beautiful farm lands. And the oppression of expectations planted firmly on everyone's shoulders.
Well, turns out I'm no songwriter...just glad that someone felt the same way at some point or another and managed to set it to music...well done AF...
I hear the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth
Well, turns out I'm no songwriter...just glad that someone felt the same way at some point or another and managed to set it to music...well done AF...
![music](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_music.gif)
![dancingbanana](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/dancingbanana_2.gif)
![](https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZXlkenVrOWxoYXZmNHc5bWs5ZHBqbnI3NWhtdGJoZTJsdHkyczRoayZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/6bse5OXBujmSI/giphy.gif)
Plus they have a bit of a punk edge. Great live band also.
There are many places in this world, where -- at this very moment -- people's lives have been and continue to be destroyed by war and invasion. Many places in the world are still subject to human trafficking and forced labor. Many people live in abject poverty and die from starvation.
But in her world, the worst possible thing that could happen is that the world doesn't "understand" her and her "art", or worse, she might be called "pretentious"? She also has the privilege to "punch the clock" with safe employment, which I would expect does not involve life endangerment or forced labor?
No, the worst thing she could ever imagine -- and the worst thing she will ever in her life experience -- would be to live in a boring suburb and maybe work in a cubicle. The irony being she became a musician where she can tell everyone how bad it could have been for her. Opportunity not afforded to everyone to be sure.
I think you miss the broader point, Hippostar. Does abundance equate to a meaningful existence? OP argues it does not but hollows existence out, leaving you with worthless consumer goods which don't satisfy the hunger of why you exist. I would also point out you probably don't know the artists, and speculate as to what is meant. Good luck with that.
Hmmm, discoescent, in a Blondie sort of way, but I like it, I'm not usually a fan but this one isn't too overdone. Excellent vocals!
There is a YouTube of them singing together in 2014 (at 'Coachella'). Would post the link but still figuring out how..
There are many places in this world, where -- at this very moment -- people's lives have been and continue to be destroyed by war and invasion. Many places in the world are still subject to human trafficking and forced labor. Many people live in abject poverty and die from starvation.
But in her world, the worst possible thing that could happen is that the world doesn't "understand" her and her "art", or worse, she might be called "pretentious"? She also has the privilege to "punch the clock" with safe employment, which I would expect does not involve life endangerment or forced labor?
No, the worst thing she could ever imagine -- and the worst thing she will ever in her life experience -- would be to live in a boring suburb and maybe work in a cubicle. The irony being she became a musician where she can tell everyone how bad it could have been for her. Opportunity not afforded to everyone to be sure.
With respect, I agree with what you're saying, but I don't think the lyrics in this song minimise other bigger problems and terrible situations. It doesn't at all sound like 'whingeing' to me. I like how it's a snapshot description of a sensory overload situation, which is very relevant to our time and culture, and is one of the factors that led me to discover and support our (truly luxurious) ad-free RP.
Methinks you do not understand the theme here. Just because we have a wealth of consumer goods doesn't mean we live meaningful lives. In fact it means the opposite.
And we have created aspirations in others for the same pursuit of crap. Crap that fills our world with garbage and other pollution. Crap that is destroying the natural world and us with it.
There are many places in this world, where -- at this very moment -- people's lives have been and continue to be destroyed by war and invasion. Many places in the world are still subject to human trafficking and forced labor. Many people live in abject poverty and die from starvation.
But in her world, the worst possible thing that could happen is that the world doesn't "understand" her and her "art", or worse, she might be called "pretentious"? She also has the privilege to "punch the clock" with safe employment, which I would expect does not involve life endangerment or forced labor?
No, the worst thing she could ever imagine -- and the worst thing she will ever in her life experience -- would be to live in a boring suburb and maybe work in a cubicle. The irony being she became a musician where she can tell everyone how bad it could have been for her. Opportunity not afforded to everyone to be sure.
This is clearly a protest song, but it's a protest against something our society has not put its finger on, not quite yet. Many, many good hardworking people benefit from suburban sprawl and a society that revolves around cars and parking lots, but ultimately they get alienated from others and feel paranoid about those dangerous people living in cities, or really anywhere they are not. It's getting a bit like Europe's middle ages where certain groups of people shore up in their enclaves, get disconnected from one another, and suspect other people as "not one of us." It helps explain Trump and Trumpiness. Time, so much so, for America to move past this.
This is such a great way of contextualizing the world we live in right now. I do feel like the internet is also contributing to the enclave/tribalistic retreat we're seeing.
This is clearly a protest song, but it's a protest against something our society has not put its finger on, not quite yet. Many, many good hardworking people benefit from suburban sprawl and a society that revolves around cars and parking lots, but ultimately they get alienated from others and feel paranoid about those dangerous people living in cities, or really anywhere they are not. It's getting a bit like Europe's middle ages where certain groups of people shore up in their enclaves, get disconnected from one another, and suspect other people as "not one of us." It helps explain Trump and Trumpiness. Time, so much so, for America to move past this.
Wish I could upvote your comment a 100 times
Moving on to new neighbourhoods
![](https://www.denofgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/captain_marvel_skrulls_primary-2.jpg?resize=768%2C432)
![](https://consequenceofsound.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/arcade-fire-sprawl.jpg)
Here is a video of her and her husband doing this song during the pandemic at what I presume is their home. Worth a watch if you enjoy this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwm6DQSO8jw
Joyous.
I also love in the PNW. But about 100 miles west in the small town of Sequim. A few buildings at two stories, and tall mountains rising to the south. Three small shopping centers. Ocean to the north.
Yet, or because of, we are growing too. Spoke the Eagles, "When you call it paradise, kiss it goodbye."
LLRP!
You have a great town! Twenty years or so ago our family was traveling through there. My youngest daughter got a bad cut on her finger and we pulled into the rescue squad (or firehouse?) in Sequim. They calmed her down, took care of her, and gave her a stuffed animal. Of course she named it 'Squim' (yes she dropped the 'e' somewhere) and it became her favorite. Still has it I bet.
![](https://consequenceofsound.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/arcade-fire-sprawl.jpg)
Here is a video of her and her husband doing this song during the pandemic at what I presume is their home. Worth a watch if you enjoy this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwm6DQSO8jw
and folks listen to this ABBA clone? Geez.......
Some people don't have a clue so they just write something like this. Next time just turn of the radio.
Alpha Blondy - wish you were here
How appropiate this song! I gave is a 9 when it first appeared here on RP and I confess, I must now bump it to a 10. What has become of America and it's plethora of 'burbs?
Captain Nemo returns to find a world of strip malls?
Living in the PNW, I can firmly say our mountains are taller than yours....though our dying shopping malls may be the same.....(I actually live near one of the 'suburb shopping malls (Alderwood) that is getting extra business from the closed down 'city' mall (Northgate) - Long Live RP and all the Urban, Suburban and Rural areas on the world!!
I also love in the PNW. But about 100 miles west in the small town of Sequim. A few buildings at two stories, and tall mountains rising to the south. Three small shopping centers. Ocean to the north.
Yet, or because of, we are growing too. Spoke the Eagles, "When you call it paradise, kiss it goodbye."
LLRP!
Methinks you do not understand the theme here. Just because we have a wealth of consumer goods doesn't mean we live meaningful lives. In fact it means the opposite.
And we have created aspirations in others for the same pursuit of crap. Crap that fills our world with garbage and other pollution. Crap that is destroying the natural world and us with it.
This!
![clap](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_clap.gif)
First World problems.
Methinks you do not understand the theme here. Just because we have a wealth of consumer goods doesn't mean we live meaningful lives. In fact it means the opposite.
And we have created aspirations in others for the same pursuit of crap. Crap that fills our world with garbage and other pollution. Crap that is destroying the natural world and us with it.
Living in the PNW, I can firmly say our mountains are taller than yours....though our dying shopping malls may be the same.....(I actually live near one of the 'suburb shopping malls (Alderwood) that is getting extra business from the closed down 'city' mall (Northgate) - Long Live RP and all the Urban, Suburban and Rural areas on the world!!
Thank you brianlay for being so tolerant to people that have a musical taste for garbage made by non-talented artists.
LOL....despite the fact that admitting to liking this means "I like garbage" I had to go 7 to 8 based on the theme of the song....and well executed at that....and also despite the ABBA sounds like....Long Live RP!!
Good thing your worthless opinion means SFA. Clearly you have no idea of what you speak. Now off you go and put on that Kanye masterpiece that so moves your musical sensibilities. Twat.
Thank you brianlay for being so tolerant to people that have a musical taste for garbage made by non-talented artists.
That's a bit like a 12 yr. old calling Mozart or Strauss no-talent garbage. If you don't like it, fine, just say it's not your thing. But no talent garbage is just a tad over the top.
This is my only favorite Arcade Fire song.
![dancing banana](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/dancingbanana.gif)
If anything, the sound is reminiscent of ABBA.
Nairobi has this problem too, as does Sao Paulo, Cairo and New York.
Or as our President calls them - shitholes.
How appropiate this song! I gave is a 9 when it first appeared here on RP and I confess, I must now bump it to a 10. What has become of America and it's plethora of 'burbs?
Nails on a chalkboard!
![{#Music} {#Music}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_music.gif)
That's obvious, isn't it? Middle-class suburbs only exist in the "First World". Would you prefer they wrote a song/album about pretending to be Bangladeshi peasants?
Nairobi has this problem too, as does Sao Paulo, Cairo and New York.
So, this song/album is about the angst and oppression of growing up in a middle-class suburb?
First World problems.
That's obvious, isn't it? Wouldn't middle-class suburbs only exist in the so-called "First World". Would you prefer they wrote a song/album pretending to be nomadic goat-herders in Somalia?
![{#Cheers} {#Cheers}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_cheers.gif)
So, this song/album is about the angst and oppression of growing up in a middle-class suburb?
First World problems.
One of the most over-rated bands out there. When does their 15 minutes expire?
Now that is in the running for the most incomprehensible and gnomic post of the month
![{#Stupid} {#Stupid}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_stupid.gif)
The more I hear this song, the more I hear "we can never get away from the sprog".
One of the most over-rated bands out there. When does their 15 minutes expire?
suesblues wrote:
They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
These days my life I feel it has no purpose
But late at night the feelings swim to the surface
'Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They're calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
We rode our bikes to the nearest park
Sat under the swings and kissed in the dark
You shield my eyes from the police lights
We run away, but we don't know why
The black river, your city lights shine
They're screaming at us, "We don't need your kind"
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
Can we ever get away from the sprawl?
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
These days my life I feel it has no purpose
But late at night the feelings swim to the surface
'Cause on the surface the city lights shine
They're calling at me, come and find your kind
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
We rode our bikes to the nearest park
Sat under the swings and kissed in the dark
You shield my eyes from the police lights
We run away, but we don't know why
The black river, your city lights shine
They're screaming at us, "We don't need your kind"
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
That we can never get away from the sprawl
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
Can we ever get away from the sprawl?
Living in the sprawl, dead shopping malls rise
Like mountains beyond mountains
And there's no end in sight
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
I need the darkness, someone please cut the lights
![{#Drummer} {#Drummer}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/icon_drummer.gif)
and folks listen to this ABBA clone? Geez.......
You guys could at least get her name right...it's Debbie Harry, not Harold ! And this really doesn't sound like her at all, IMHO.
Oh, lighten up, Just a sly attempt at humour, evidently wasted.
![{#Sick} {#Sick}](https://img.radioparadise.com/emoji/eusa_sick.gif)
Yep, says Deborah Harold to me too.
You guys could at least get her name right...it's Debbie Harry, not Harold ! And this really doesn't sound like her at all, IMHO.
Zzzzzzzzzzz.