Data Data

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a world obsessed with superficial gain and fleeting attention. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of moral decay, where "everything changes pockets without the slightest decorum." This is directly linked to the worship of wealth, the "golden calf," suggesting a society driven by materialism. The narrator observes a pervasive dissatisfaction, noting that "everyone wants everything, everything is always little," and that even the most comprehensive observation loses its focus, like a lens that "no longer focuses." The central tension arises from this insatiable hunger for more, whether it's wealth, possessions, or recognition. The pre-chorus describes a chaotic, unending "dance until it clears," a frantic search for something elusive, perhaps the "penultimate tuna across the seven seas." This quest is fueled by a desperate need for validation, as "no one exists if they are not news." The cycle of "greed for glamour and glamour for greed" highlights the self-perpetuating nature of this superficial pursuit. The repeated, almost hypnotic "Data, data, data, data" in the chorus is the most striking element. It functions as a modern-day mantra for information overload and the constant influx of stimuli that defines contemporary life. This deluge of data is compared to drinking from a "cataract," an overwhelming and uncontrollable torrent. The sheer volume of "data" drowns out genuine focus and meaning, mirroring the earlier image of the unfocused lens. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture a palpable sense of modern anxiety. The relentless repetition of "data" and the imagery of an unfocused world create a feeling of being overwhelmed and adrift. The writing effectively uses the metaphor of a cataract to convey the sheer, unmanageable force of information and desire, leaving the listener with a sense of the dizzying pace and hollowness of the depicted reality.