Fragments of Memory: A Puzzle of Impermanence | Pieces Of What | MGMT

MGMT's "Pieces of What" is a thought-provoking song that delves into the complexities of relationships and the fragility of human connections. On the surface, the lyrics appear to be a nostalgic reflection on past experiences, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a deeper exploration of the disintegrating nature of memories.

The song's title, "Pieces of What," is an apt metaphor for the fragmented state of our recollections. Just as puzzles are comprised of individual pieces that must be assembled to form a complete picture, our memories are similarly broken down into discrete moments and emotions that we attempt to reconstruct in order to make sense of our experiences.

MGMT's lyrics weave together vignettes of past relationships, each one a puzzle piece that contributes to the larger mosaic of their collective memories. The song's narrator seems to be grappling with the impermanence of these connections, lamenting the fact that "the pieces are falling away" and that "we're just two strangers in a world of strangers."

The chorus, with its soaring vocals and catchy hooks, serves as a poignant counterpoint to the more melancholic verses. Here, MGMT's lead vocalist, Andrew VanWyngarden, laments the disintegration of a relationship, singing "I'm trying to put back together / The pieces of what we used to be." This sense of longing and nostalgia permeates the song, as if the narrator is desperately attempting to salvage the fragments of their memories in order to rekindle the connection.

Throughout the song, MGMT's distinctive blend of psychedelic rock and indie pop creates a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly captures the ethereal nature of our recollections. As the music swirls around us, it becomes clear that "Pieces of What" is less about nostalgia and more about the ephemeral nature of human connections – a poignant reminder to cherish and appreciate the fleeting moments we share with one another.