"Royalty" vs. American Privilege

[x_submariner]

To whomever replaced my alarm and ringtones:

First of all, shame on you.

Second of all, I feel this Lorde artist starts off the song with a very realistic world view about the nature of aristocracy, but then veers dangerously into the modern assumption that "living like a king" is the same as being one.

Comments

[x-adrienne.livejournal.com]

But then she does this:


How does that factor into your theory re Lorde and her assumptions of royalty?

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

I feel like people who choose to cover Tears for Fears should be quizzed on whether they understand the lyrics before being authorized to proceed. Standards.

[x-adrienne.livejournal.com]

I don't know much about music, but I know that the way that one's arranged makes me super creeped out to think about ambition and greed in society. So I think it does what it was intended for, since its intent seems to have been a commentary on the Capital in the Hunger Games movie.

[x-tarot.livejournal.com]

You do not think that wealth buys a certain kind of power and ability to control and rule others?

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

The Royal Court of Attilan has an over-fondness for 80s music.

Specifically in terms of Tears for Fears, what I feel Miss Lorde is missing in her interpretation you posted is that the original song isn't about oppression, it is about the triumph of rage and hope for change. The original song is set in a major key to underscore this — like tempo in good poem. "War is hell but you can stop and make it better." Her message is instead "War is hell, people are greedy, woe is me."

It flattens the original.

Also she's exceedingly whiny.

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

That's privilege and tacky spending (tigers on a gold leash).

Royalty underscores a responsibility for and a service to the people, not merely control or self-styled "rule."

[x-tarot.livejournal.com]

I think that since Ms. Yelich-O'Connor is from New Zealand, she may have a different perspective on royalty and the tendencies towards, as you say, tacky spending.

[x-tarot.livejournal.com]

I believe the authors of the song would disagree with your assessment.

[x-blink.livejournal.com]

She's what? 17? Wikipedia says she 17.

At 17, whiny, emo, woe-is-me is about par. She'll most likely grow bored with herself and grow out of it. It's kinda a requirement for a lot of kids though as part of growing up.

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

The lyrics do not seem to indicate that is her opinion. She's equating a luxurious lifestyle with being "royal."

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

I'm browsing the Wikipedia article. Is that your source here?

The band does not offer an explanation for the up-tempo of the song, but it was a choice that changes the meaning of the lyrics as presented.

[x-dagger.livejournal.com]

I am sad that I was not the one who thought of this.

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

Well. That is one off the list.

[x-dagger.livejournal.com]

I am delighted that you thought I could be a suspect. Alas I have been in and out of the mansion all week and haven't had time to do such things.

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

You may not have the means, but you and that other blonde cannot be trusted.

[x-dagger.livejournal.com]

Namor! You can trust me.

[x-submariner.livejournal.com]

You, Miss Bowen, are too easily talked into bad ideas.

[x-dagger.livejournal.com]

I hit my head pretty hard two months ago. I have the scar to prove it.

[x-hawkeye.livejournal.com]

Wasn't me. I can reset it, though, if you haven't figured out how yet.