The meaning of Electric Feel by Mgmt
"Electric Feel" is a popular song by the American rock band MGMT. The song's title may raise an eyebrow, provoking the question - what is the song really about? The psychedelic lyricism of MGMT's music often reflects the hidden layers that are worth exploring for every music enthusiast.
"Electric Feel" is part of MGMT's 2007 debut album 'Oracular Spectacular'. The album itself is a fusion of pop, rock, and electronic music and offers numerous iconic tracks that define the band's unique style and sound. Among these, "Electric Feel" stands out for its distinctive beat, catchy lyrics and its seamless marriage of sounds from different decades.
The song's lyrics are unabashedly abstract. The song kicks off with the lines, "All along the western front, people line up to receive," and this ambiguity is carried through till the end. However, an attempt to peel the layers of its lyricism reveals an underlying theme centered around the powers of mother nature and the feeling of electric energy that runs through everything in existence.
"Electric Feel" gives listeners an abstract esthetic experience through its lyrics, evoking the imagery of celestial bodies and the energy flowing through nature. Phrases like "shocking in the evening" and "turn me on with your electric feel" serve to depict this electric energy as a charged, unique feeling that is both invigorating and all-encompassing. The repeated lyrics, "she's gonna teach me how to swim," could be perceived as a metaphor for surrendering oneself to the rhythm, flow, and movement of life.
Furthermore, the euphoric, psychedelic tone of MGMT's "Electric Feel" could be suggestive of the collective consciousness or common mentality that resonate through festivals or concerts where listeners transcend their individual identities to be part of something larger.
Despite the seemingly abstract elements, the song mirrors MGMT's experimentation with presenting grand themes through their innovative layered music. The band has always been noted for its fusion of different music styles, bringing together elements of psychedelic pop, indie rock, and electronica to create a distinctive sound. In "Electric Feel," the band successfully builds on this characteristic style, creating a song that marries lyrical ambiguity with a distinctive melody and rhythm.
In conclusion, "Electric Feel" stands as a testament to the kind of genre-blending and thoughtful lyricism MGMT is known for. Though the song operates on a high level of abstraction, it introduces its listeners to a distinctive, immersive experience that is best described as an 'electric feel'. The song's enigmatic charm lies in its ability to capture the electricity that flows through life, connecting us all. It's a reminder that music, like the mysterious energy depicted in this song, can often be a connecting force that brings people together.