Meaning of Notorious [45 Mix] by Duran Duran

The 1986 hit by Duran Duran, "Notorious [45 Mix]," is a song that exudes an air of defiance and rebellion, reflecting a collective sentiment of standing up against societal expectations and norms. At first glance, it may seem like a catchy pop song, but upon delving deeper into the lyrics, we uncover a treasure trove of thought-provoking themes that establish a powerful message.The opening line, "I can't read about it, burns the skin from your eyes," sets the tone for the entire song. It hints at the idea of being overwhelmed by the pressures and expectations of society. The line suggests that constantly being bombarded with information and judgments can be exhausting and damaging to one's self-worth. This theme of societal scrutiny and the need to maintain self-integrity becomes a central thread throughout the song.One standout lyric that demands attention is, "You own the money, you control the witness." This line delves into the notion of power dynamics and manipulation within society. It speaks to the idea that money can influence people's perspectives and manipulate the truth. The theme of control and manipulation is further reinforced through the line, "Don't monkey with my business." Here, Duran Duran asserts their insistence on being independent and not allowing others to interfere or control their endeavors. This can be interpreted as a plea for artistic freedom and the rejection of outside influence.Another intriguing lyric is, "Girls will keep the secrets so long as boys make a noise." This line delves into the themes of gender dynamics and the societal expectations placed upon women. It suggests that women are expected to maintain silence and keep secrets, while men are urged to assert themselves and make noise. This juxtaposition highlights the imbalance in societal expectations and reinforces the overall theme of rebellion against these norms.The line, "I heard your promise, but I don't believe it," adds an interesting layer to the theme of trust and disillusionment. It reflects a sense of skepticism towards promises made by those in power or authority. The song seems to suggest that empty promises are pervasive within society, and it's important to question and challenge them instead of blindly accepting them.To take a more imaginative approach, we can explore the theme of identity. The repeated use of the word "Notorious" in the chorus creates an image of someone embracing their reputation and infamy. It can be interpreted as an assertion of individuality and a refusal to conform to societal norms. The refusal to compromise and the need to "bleed" for one's beliefs can symbolize the struggle to maintain authenticity in a world that often tries to mold us into something we're not.Additionally, the use of the phrase "flaky bandit" in the lyrics can evoke the theme of rebellion against the conventional. The bandit character represents someone who operates outside the boundaries of the law or societal expectations. This can be seen as a call to reject conformity and embrace one's inner renegade.Overall, "Notorious [45 Mix]" by Duran Duran is a captivating song that highlights the themes of rebellion, skepticism, independence, and the importance of maintaining authenticity. It encourages listeners to question societal norms, challenge manipulation, and assert their own sense of individuality. Through imaginative interpretations of the lyrics, we can delve even deeper into these themes, unearthing a wealth of thought-provoking ideas hidden beneath the catchy melodies. So next time you find yourself humming along to this iconic '80s track, take a moment to reflect on its powerful message and consider how you can bring a little bit of "notorious" into your own life.