Meaning of Don’t Drink The Water by Tears for Fears

In the hauntingly profound lyrics of Tears for Fears' "Don't Drink The Water", the band touches on a multitude of themes, invoking a sense of introspection and reflection. The overall theme of the song appears to be a cautionary tale about unreliability and deception in various aspects of life. This theme manifests in the form of unexpected and imaginative motifs throughout the song.One standout lyric that contributes to the development of these themes is, "This is a religion, No, this is a drag." Here, the band juxtaposes the concepts of religion and drag to highlight the notion of being trapped in societal expectations and preconceptions. The unexpected harmony of these two contrasting ideas offers a parallel to the deceitful and restrictive nature of certain belief systems.Furthermore, the line, "That man over there is smoking sweet cigarettes, Hey, look at that fag!" explores the theme of societal prejudices and perceptions. The band delves into the idea that appearances can often be misleading, leading to the flawed judgments we make about others based on superficial factors. This lyric prompts us to question our own biases and reminds us not to judge a book by its cover.In the chorus, the line "Don't say, 'Thank God for simple truths'" adds another layer to the overarching theme. It challenges the idea of blindly accepting conventional wisdom without critical thinking. Here, Tears for Fears encourages us to seek deeper understanding and not be satisfied with simplistic explanations or easy answers.Moving to the second verse, the line "The shutters were never open, The day I used to hide" signifies themes of vulnerability and personal introspection. This lyric explores the idea that hiding or avoiding difficult aspects of ourselves hinders personal growth and connection with others. It urges us to face our fears and open ourselves up to new experiences, even if they are challenging or uncomfortable.When the band sings, "When you looked like Frida Kahlo, Curled up in bed," the song touches on themes of self-expression and embracing uniqueness. Here, the reference to Frida Kahlo, a celebrated artist known for her individuality and defiance of societal norms, serves as a metaphor for being true to oneself. The image of Kahlo curled up in bed suggests vulnerability, reminding us that self-expression can sometimes feel daunting but is ultimately crucial for personal growth.The bridge introduces a new layer to the song's themes. The lyrics, "So much emotion, These eyes a strange kind of blue, Deep as the ocean, They named a sea after you" evoke a sense of emotional depth and complexity. The metaphorical connection between the eyes and the ocean reflects the vast range of emotions that can reside within an individual. It suggests that one's emotional landscape can be as unexplored and mysterious as the depths of the sea, emphasizing the need to navigate these depths with caution.In conclusion, "Don't Drink The Water" conveys a multitude of unexpected and imaginative themes within its lyrics. From uncovering societal prejudices to challenging conventional thinking, the song invites us to question the reliability and deception we encounter in various aspects of life. It encourages vulnerability, self-expression, and introspection as ways to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Ultimately, this cautionary tale serves as a reminder to approach life with an open mind and to question the simplistic narratives we are often presented with.