Meaning of Living In The Real World by Blondie

Living In The Real World: A Journey through the Boundaries of RealityBlondie's iconic song, "Living In The Real World," takes listeners on a whirlwind adventure through the boundaries of reality. Although on the surface, it may seem like a catchy pop tune, a closer examination reveals a tapestry of imaginative themes hidden in its lyrics. Let us delve into some of the standout and important lyrics and explore the unexpected themes that each one helps develop, all while keeping in mind the overarching theme of the song.The opening lyrics, "Disappear behind your makeup, take away your calendar watch," immediately set the tone for the song. They speak to the idea of hiding behind a mask, of escaping the mundanity of everyday life. Here, the theme of self-expression emerges - the notion that through the transformative power of makeup and altering our perception of time, we can break free from the confines of reality and create our own world.In the pre-chorus, Blondie sings, "Hey, I'm living in a magazine, page to page in my submarine." This lyric beautifully encapsulates the theme of escapism. It invites listeners to imagine themselves living in a world confined to the pages of a magazine, where a fantastical adventure unfolds with each turn of the page. This notion of being submersed in a submarine alludes to delving into the depths of our own imagination, away from the constraints of the real world.The chorus of the song, "Cause I'm not living in the real world, I'm not living in the real world, no more, no more, yeah," reinforces the central theme of breaking free from reality. It challenges the notion of accepting the limitations imposed upon us and encourages listeners to embrace their own unique version of the world. It celebrates the liberation that comes from living outside the borders of societal norms and expectations.Another intriguing lyric comes in the second verse, "Every day's a holiday, you can look through the glass and take a photograph." Here, the theme of perspective arises. It suggests that by simply shifting our viewpoint, we can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. The act of looking through glass and capturing photographs symbolizes freezing a fleeting moment in time, forever preserving the magic of our surroundings. It encourages listeners to find beauty and joy in the smallest of moments.The line, "You could never conquer me, 'cause I'm not here and you're not there, yeah," from the pre-chorus, introduces the theme of personal autonomy. By declaring that they cannot be conquered, Blondie inspires listeners to take ownership of their lives. It questions the very concept of reality by implying that existence is not confined to a specific time or place. Through this interpretation, the lyrics challenge us to embrace our individual power and refuse to be controlled by external forces.In the verse following the bridge, we encounter the lyrics, "I can do anything at all, I'm invisible and I'm twenty feet tall." Here, the themes of limitless potential and self-belief converge. Blondie invites us to embrace our own invincibility, to embody the idea that we possess the power to achieve anything we set our minds to. This notion of being simultaneously invisible and towering suggests that true power lies in embracing our true selves, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.Finally, the closing lyrics of the song, "No more, no more, no more, no more," serve as a powerful repetition of the rejection of the real world. Intensifying each repetition, they magnify the proclamation of liberation from the constraints of reality. This repetition further strengthens the song's overall theme and reminds listeners that the boundaries of reality are self-imposed constructs that can be shattered with the right mindset.In conclusion, while Blondie's "Living In The Real World" may appear to be a catchy pop song on the surface, its lyrics paint a vibrant picture of imaginative themes. From self-expression and escapism to perspective, personal autonomy, and boundless potential, this song breaks free from societal limitations and invites us to explore the limitless boundaries of our own realities. So, next time you find yourself listening to this infectious tune, allow it to transport you to a world where the possibilities are endless, and the real world becomes a place to be reimagined rather than accepted.