The meaning of Underground Lyrics by Ben Folds

Ben Folds' song "Underground Lyrics" is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and the struggles that come with trying to maintain it. The lyrics are spoken from the perspective of an artist who has once been successful, but now finds themselves struggling to regain their footing in the industry.

The song's opening lines, "I used to have a record deal, I used to have a band", set the tone for the rest of the track, which is a wistful examination of the highs and lows of an artist's career. Folds' delivery is characteristically witty and self-deprecating, as he pokes fun at his own misfortunes and the absurdities of the music industry.

The chorus, "I'm underground, I'm underground, I'm trying to get back above ground", becomes a sort of mantra for the song's protagonist, as they grapple with the realities of their situation. The use of the phrase "underground" is particularly telling, implying not only a physical descent into obscurity but also a sense of being marginalized or excluded from the mainstream.

Throughout the song, Folds' lyrics are peppered with references to his own career and the ups and downs he's experienced as an artist. "I used to get invited places, now I just get invited to the wrong places", for example, is a clever aside that speaks to the ways in which fame can be fleeting and unpredictable.

Despite its wry humor and self-deprecating tone, "Underground Lyrics" ultimately emerges as a heartfelt meditation on the human side of artistic struggle. Folds' delivery is by turns sarcastic and sincere, making for a compelling and relatable listen that's sure to resonate with fans of his work.