Meaning of Satanist by ​boygenius

The boygenius song titled 'Satanist' explores themes of rebellion, disillusionment, and the desire to escape societal norms. Through its clever and thought-provoking lyrics, the song delves into the idea of challenging established beliefs and embracing alternative ideologies. Each standout lyric in this song serves as a stepping stone towards a more profound understanding of the underlying themes.The opening line, "Will you be a Satanist with me? Mortgage off your soul to buy your dream," immediately introduces the rebellious nature of the song. It suggests a rejection of traditional values and societal expectations. The lyric's unexpected theme is the idea of selling one's soul for personal gain, representing the willingness to make unconventional choices to achieve individual dreams.In the next verse, the lyric "Will you be an anarchist with me? Sleep in cars and kill the bourgeoisie" continues the theme of rebellion. It questions the structures and hierarchies of society and advocates for rejecting materialism. The unexpected theme here is the idea of finding freedom in chaos, as the speakers propose sleeping in cars and subverting the established order.The following lyric, "At least until you find out what a fake I am. Spray paint my initials on an ATM. I burn my cash and smash my old TV," highlights a recurring theme of disillusionment. It explores the facade of radicality and reveals the vulnerability and insecurity behind it. The unexpected theme in this lyric is the suggestion that acts of destruction and defiance can be a form of self-expression and an attempt to break free from a materialistic lifestyle.Moving to the next verse, the lyric "Will you be a nihilist with me? If nothing matters, man, that's a relief. Solomon had a point when he wrote 'Ecclesiastes.' If nothing can be known, then stupidity is holy" dives into existential questions and the concept of nihilism. It suggests that embracing the idea that nothing has inherent meaning can actually bring comfort. The unexpected theme here is finding solace in intellectual freedom and the possibility of embracing ignorance as a form of liberation.The lyric, "If the void becomes a bore, we'll treat ourselves to some self-belief," presents the idea of self-belief as a coping mechanism when confronted with existential emptiness. It suggests that creating meaning and purpose for oneself can serve as a buffer against the void. The unexpected theme here is the notion that self-delusion can provide temporary moments of fulfillment in an otherwise meaningless world.The concluding lyrics of the song further emphasize the theme of struggling to find meaning in a vast and indifferent world. The line, "You wonder if you can even be seen," expresses a fear of being invisible and forgotten, highlighting the desire for recognition and validation. The unexpected theme here is the idea that individual existence is like a slow pull or a seismic drift, as if the weight of one's existence is felt only on the edge of the continent, far from the center of attention.In summary, the song 'Satanist' by boygenius explores themes of rebellion, disillusionment, and the quest for personal liberation. Each standout lyric contributes to the development of these themes, often challenging societal norms and subverting expectations. The unexpected and imaginative themes within each lyric offer a nuanced perspective on the overarching theme of the song. Ultimately, 'Satanist' invites listeners to critically examine established beliefs and consider alternative paths to finding meaning and fulfillment in an increasingly complex world.