Title: The Deeper Meaning Behind Tame Impala’s “Elephant”
Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s a reason Tame Impala’s hit song “Elephant” has over 83 million streams on Spotify. The catchy riff and infectious beat make it hard not to tap your foot and sing along. But beyond its surface-level appeal, “Elephant” carries a deeper message about self-doubt, identity, and the pressures of fame. In this article, we’ll explore the lyrics and musical elements of “Elephant” to understand the meaning behind the song.
The Lyrics
The first verse of “Elephant” sets the scene:
Well, he feels like an elephant
Shaking his big grey trunk for the hell of it
He knows that you’re dreaming about being loved by him
Too bad your chances are slim
The opening line establishes the central metaphor of the song: feeling like an elephant, which connotes a sense of awkwardness, clumsiness, and oversizedness. The use of the personal pronoun “he” suggests that the lyrics are from the perspective of the narrator, who may be Kevin Parker, the songwriter behind Tame Impala. The image of shaking a big grey trunk, which elephants are known for, reinforces the idea of feeling conspicuous and somewhat ridiculous.
The second line implies that the narrator is aware of someone else’s desire for him, but he thinks it’s unlikely to come true (“Too bad your chances are slim”). This line could be interpreted in various ways, such as a reference to a particular person or to the idea of fans projecting their fantasies onto musicians.
The chorus of “Elephant” shifts into a more defiant tone:
He said, “I’m just a boy, cuttin’ to the bone”
He said, “I’m just a boy, cuttin’ to the bone”
He said, “I’m just a boy, cuttin’ to the bone”
He said, “I’m just a boy, cuttin’ to the bone”
The repetition of the line “I’m just a boy, cuttin’ to the bone” emphasizes the narrator’s insistence that he is not what others may think of him. By saying he’s “just a boy,” he’s emphasizing his youth and vulnerability, while “cutting to the bone” implies a sense of honesty and rawness. The chorus could be seen as a retort to those who have criticized the narrator for not living up to their expectations or image of him.
The second verse of “Elephant” elaborates on the theme of identity:
Well, he’s touching down in his evening gown
Hasn’t got a care, hasn’t got a sound
Well, the man in the back said, “Everyone attack”
And it turned into a ballroom blitz
The image of a man in an evening gown suggests an ambiguity of gender and an element of performance. The phrase “hasn’t got a care, hasn’t got a sound” could suggest a sense of detachment or nihilism, as if the narrator has given up caring about others’ opinions. The reference to “a ballroom blitz” is a nod to the 1973 song by The Sweet, which was about a chaotic dance party. The link between the “elephant” and the “ballroom blitz” is not entirely clear, but it could imply that the narrator is caught up in a whirlwind of fame and expectations.
The Music
“Elephant” is one of Tame Impala’s most dynamic songs, combining elements of rock, funk, and psychedelic music. The opening riff, played on a distorted guitar, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the song’s upbeat rhythm. The drums and bass provide a driving pulse that propels the song forward, while the vocals sound processed and robotic, adding an element of detachment.
One of the standout features of “Elephant” is the use of the wah-wah pedal, a guitar effect that creates a wah-wah sound by manipulating the frequency of the guitar’s signal. The wah-wah pedal was popularized by Jimi Hendrix in the 1960s and became a staple of funk and psychedelic rock music. In “Elephant,” the wah-wah pedal is used on both the guitar and bass to create a funky, danceable groove.
Tame Impala’s use of reverb and echo is another notable feature of “Elephant.” Reverb creates a sense of space and depth, while echo adds a dreamlike quality. The combination of reverb and echo in “Elephant” creates an immersive sonic experience that enhances the song’s psychedelic vibe.
The Meaning Behind “Elephant”
So, what does it all mean? When asked about the meaning of “Elephant” in an interview with NME, Kevin Parker said, “It’s just about being yourself.” This interpretation is somewhat vague but aligns with the theme of identity and self-expression that runs through the lyrics.
In a broader sense, “Elephant” could be seen as a commentary on the pressures of fame and the struggle to maintain a sense of authenticity in the face of external expectations. The repeated line “I’m just a boy, cuttin’ to the bone” implies a desire to be seen as genuine and not as a manufactured product of the music industry.
The use of the elephant metaphor highlights the feeling of being out of place or misunderstood, which is a common theme in Tame Impala’s music. Parker’s lyrics often delve into the inner workings of the mind and explore the complexities of human emotion.
Conclusion
“Elephant” is more than just a catchy rock song – it’s a reflection on identity, fame, and authenticity. The lyrics and music of the song work together to create a sense of defiance and self-assurance, even in the face of doubt and criticism. Tame Impala’s ability to combine elements of rock, funk, and psychedelia into a cohesive sound is a testament to their skill as musicians and songwriters. “Elephant” will continue to be a popular and timeless song that resonates with listeners all over the world.
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