Kitsch

Song Meaning

The lyrics open with a vivid dream, a premonition of "the shape of things to come." This isn't a gentle foretelling; the narrator awakens, emphasizing the stark reality of this vision. The repetition of "I saw the shape" and the subsequent "I've seen the shape" solidifies the certainty of this future glimpse, moving from a subconscious experience to a conscious, undeniable truth. The core of the song seems to grapple with the concept of "Kitsch," which the narrator repeatedly calls "a beautiful word" and even "a beautiful lullaby." This juxtaposition is striking. Kitsch, often associated with superficiality or gaudy taste, is here elevated to something comforting and aesthetically pleasing. The lyrics suggest a deliberate embrace of the artificial or the overly sentimental, finding beauty in what might typically be dismissed. The imagery shifts from the abstract "shape of things to come" to concrete, almost nostalgic details. A "queen / All dressed in green" who "had no soul" hints at a hollow, perhaps superficial, power. This is contrasted with a yearning for "rock 'n' roll," a more visceral, authentic energy. Later, the lyrics list "Old plastic macs / And cadillacs / Prawn cocktails / Steak / And lovely wine," painting a picture of a specific, perhaps retro, aesthetic that the narrator finds appealing, directly linking these items to the idea of "Kitsch." Ultimately, the song appears to celebrate a particular kind of beauty found in the artificial, the sentimental, and the perhaps kitschy elements of life. The repeated "Go!" and "Just do your thing / And we'll all sing" suggest an encouragement to embrace this aesthetic wholeheartedly, finding a unique kind of joy and comfort in its perceived superficiality. It's a declaration that beauty, and even a soothing lullaby, can be found in the most unexpected, and perhaps kitschy, of places.