Meaning of No Control by David Bowie
The song "No Control" by David Bowie, from the soundtrack of SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, encompasses a range of themes that explore the human experience in the face of impending doom. The song's overall theme revolves around the acceptance of an uncontrollable future and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, "No Control" urges listeners to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of finding solace amidst chaos.One standout lyric from the song is "The end is in our future, evidence has come to light." This lyric delves into the theme of existentialism and the realization that life is inherently transient. It speaks to the human tendency to seek answers and find meaning in the face of imminent demise. The idea that evidence has come to light implies the inevitability of fate, leaving individuals to grapple with the notion of their own mortality.Another impactful lyric is "Sit tight in your corner, no point in making plans, it's all deranged, no control." This lyrical fragment helps develop the theme of surrendering control and embracing the chaos that life presents. It challenges the conventional notion of planning and emphasizes the futility of attempting to exert control over circumstances that are beyond our reach. The lyrics suggest that rather than succumbing to despair, we should learn to adapt and find comfort in the uncertainty that surrounds us.The verse sung by Mr. Krabs, Plankton, Karen, and the Company goes, "Lava will flow, and we'll burn when it does, just ashes and smoke where me money once was. There's gotta be a scheme, there's gotta be a plan, I think we should run while we still can." This verse weaves together themes of greed and survival instinct. It explores the nature of human motivation, pointing out that even in the face of annihilation, individuals can be driven by their self-interest. The desire to preserve oneself becomes a prevailing aspect of the human psyche when confronted with impending disaster.The refrain "Stay away from the future, no point in making plans, it's all deranged, no control" repeated by Perch Perkins and Pearl reiterates the overall message of the song. It highlights the importance of living in the present moment and embracing the uncertainty that the future holds. By urging listeners to stay away from the future, these lyrics suggest that fixating on what is to come only hinders our ability to appreciate and fully experience the present.Within the bridge, SpongeBob and the Company sing, "Everyone's so scared and sad, just one volcano, that's not so bad. Until Bikini Bottom's gone, let's all keep calm and carry on!" These lyrics embody resilience and the capacity for optimism in the face of adversity. Despite the impending doom, the characters in the song find solace in their ability to maintain composure and support one another. It speaks to the human spirit and the unwavering hope that emerges from the darkest of circumstances.The song's final lines, sung by Perch Perkins with SpongeBob and Sandy, "I can't believe I've no control, it's all deranged!" reiterate the central theme of the song. These lyrics encapsulate the sense of powerlessness that arises when confronted with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. They represent a universal human experience characterized by the void between our desire for control and the reality that some things are simply beyond our grasp.In conclusion, "No Control" is a captivating song that explores the human response to an uncontrollable future. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, the song delves into themes of existentialism, surrendering control, self-interest, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning. It serves as a reminder to embrace the uncertainty that life presents and find solace amidst the chaos. Ultimately, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with control and mortality, fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.