Lyric Analysis (Stay Awake)

The song Stay Awake is basically about the generation and the mixed up views and ways in which we are, because our generation is seen as controversial for creating images that are not stereotypical and seen to do bad things, e.g. drink, drugs, underage sex. It is also about the use of drugs too and questions pretty much all the decisions made within the lyrics.

"If we don't kill ourselves we'll be the leaders of a messed-up generation"

These lines connote negativity, "if we dont kill ourselves" gives the impression this is the last option and the most logical suggestion, 'IF' being the first word makes it seem final that suicide is the option as it gives an alternative. These lyrics contradict each other because 'leaders of a messed-up generation' while the leader is usually the one enforcing rules and boundaries, whereas in this statement they're being the leader of a mess rather than correcting the issue. This could also imply where the artist went wrong and led the generation into being messed-up, the lyrics could also represent the reprecussions of the decisions they've made as they dont want to face the facts of ruining a generation and themselves.



 

"Did we chase the rabbit into wonderland?"

The reference to Alice In Wonderland here fits perfectly well with the rest of the song, in the story Alice In Wonderland the rabbit is considered one of the most practical characters, despite rushing the rabbit is the only one who knows where he's going, the term "chase the rabbit" is in relation to how urgent the rabbit is in the story. The reference to Alice In Wonderland alone could represent how messed up their minds are as the story is known for its backwards storyline, chasing the rabbit could highlight their power and presence or yet again represent their mind path as they mix up the story according to them.

"Don't need sleeping beauty"

This could be in relation to the drugs that are made evident throughout the song, drugs are known to give a buzz to the user letting them stay awake longer, it could also represent the sacrifices made for the fame industry. It could also mean that he doesnt need the necessities as drugs are his priority in this video.

"we get high on the opposite of nital"

This is the most direct reference to drugs in the lyrics, as it states they get high in the video whereas before the mention of drugs was subtle and indirect. The opposite of nital also makes people more aware as to what drugs are features in the video, it seems more heavy stuff that gives you a buzz as opposed to prescribed medication.

"We just grow, if you hate"

These lyrics shows them uniting against the haters, it could also mean that the haters are what pushes them to achieve and produce more. This line in the song challenges the 'haters' by stating that 'haters' who try to get them down actually helps them acheive more, it shows the reverse in the intetntions and the confidence in Example in the song.