Meaning of Plastic by New Order

In their song titled 'Plastic', New Order explores the themes of love, perception, and authenticity. At first glance, the lyrics seem to revolve around a toxic love affair, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the song is a contemplation of the superficiality and artificiality found in modern relationships. Each standout lyric helps to develop these themes further, allowing the listener to delve into a world of introspection and exploration.The opening verse sets the stage for the overall theme of the song, with the lines "Got a feeling in my head, feels like thunder overhead." This metaphorical description of emotions hints at the intensity and unpredictability of love. It introduces the idea that what one perceives as love may not always be genuine, but rather a storm of conflicting emotions. This theme of conflicting emotions and perceptions continues throughout the song.The chorus, particularly the lines "It's official, you're fantastic, you're so special, so iconic. You're the focus of attention, but you don't want it, 'cause you're so honest," delves into the theme of perception versus reality. The subject of the song is seen as fantastic, special, and attention-grabbing, but it is revealed that these qualities are merely superficial. This raises questions about how we perceive others and the shallowness of idolizing someone based solely on external attributes. The notion of being "so honest" suggests a lack of pretense, but it could also imply a lack of depth or substance.The pre-chorus lyrics, "Give me direction, out of the cold. Show me affection, I'll give you my soul," further explore the theme of authenticity in relationships. They highlight the desire to be guided and loved in return for giving oneself completely, creating an intriguing balance between vulnerability and manipulation. The idea of giving one's soul raises questions about the true nature of love and whether it can be exchanged for material or emotional gains.The bridge, "If you break me, will you fix me? And if I'm missing, will you miss me?" delves into the fear of losing oneself in a relationship and the fragility of self-identity. It raises the possibility that the subject of the song may not be fully understood or appreciated by their partner. These lines emphasize the underlying theme of longing for validation and fearing abandonment.The outro lyrics, "One of these days, one of these days, right when you want me, baby, I'll be gone. 'Cause you're like plastic, you're artificial, you don't mean nothing, baby, so superficial," serve as a conclusion to the song's themes. They reflect on the transient and insubstantial nature of the relationship. The comparison of the subject to plastic and the assertion that they are artificial suggests that their presence does not hold significant meaning in the grand scheme of things. This final realization further solidifies the idea that the relationship explored in the song is shallow and lacks authenticity.In conclusion, 'Plastic' by New Order masterfully portrays the complexities of love, perception, and authenticity. Through introspective and imaginative lyrics, the song explores the superficiality and artificiality often found in modern relationships. Each standout lyric adds depth to these themes, creating a thought-provoking narrative that urges listeners to question the nature of their own connections. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving, and that true depth and honesty are invaluable commodities in a world of plastic relationships.