Through flashing lights, images of what is going on in the States, and powerful lyrics, The 1975 evokes a strong feeling of urgency to change the world we live in.
In the beginning of the song, the lead singer belts out such a powerful line, “F**k your feelings, truth is only hearsay. We’re just left to decay. Modernity has failed us.” Matty Healy, the lead singer, later comments on this line in a video with Genius and states that the first part of the line was actually displayed at a Trump rally.
It is not unusual that the Right of politics would support the bashing of feelings and any emotional expression at one of Trump’s rallies. But why is that such an issue? Why comment on it?
Feelings make people care. They make people compassionate and willing to compromise with others, make room for others in their world, and, at the end of it all, love others no matter who they may be.
The fact that our own president would support such a thing and that his diehard fans would plaster it at one of his rallies says a lot about the leadership we are under. Healy is expressing that concern of losing compassion throughout the entire line.
As the song progresses, more comments about our president come up. One lyric is even a phrase that he uttered before presidency, “I moved on her like a b***h.” I interpret the inclusion of this in the song as Healy’s concern for the women of America. How will we survive these four years of presidency with a man who does not respect the women in our country? So far, we aren’t. Moves to take away government support for birth control, abortions, and women’s healthcare facilities, such as Planned Parenthood, are underway or in conversation in our government.
Healy goes on to criticize Kanye West’s support for Donald Trump. He quotes the tweet Trump sent to West, “Thank you Kanye. Very cool,” towards the end of the song. Healy said that it was hard for him to do that, seeing as he is a huge West fan, but it is a lesson to us all that we need to hold our role models accountable. If you see a person attacking your race, your gender, sexual orientation, etc., why would you support them? Why would you turn your back on your community and further the attacker’s agenda?
When I first heard this song, I got chills. The music video brought them on stronger and continue to each time I watch and listen. I believe The 1975 is on the right side of history with this song. I have certainly felt more compelled to speak out and speak up for what I believe in, as well as create art that expresses my distaste for the world that we live in today.
Art, especially music, is so important to create during times like these. The amount of coverage it will get through playing it on the radio or being shared on social media is enough to cover the masses and call upon everyone to pay attention. The 1975 is not being silent. They are definitely working hard to tell their fans, and anyone who may come across this song, to pay attention to the world and not just turn the other cheek. Change must happen.