Reflections of Conformity: A Struggle to Be Seen | Verbatim | Mother Mother


"Verbatim" by the Canadian indie rock band, Mother Mother, oscillates around themes of identity crisis, societal expectations, and struggles to conform. The song dives deep into the sea of societal pressures people face, while consciously or subconsciously striving to fit into 'norms.'
The first few verses in "Verbatim" showcase a person making a desperate attempt to undulate themselves according to society's blueprint. This person is trying enumerable ways, "shape, and form, and posture, let alone the inside of my brain," highlighting the hard work that's being implemented to convert a unique identity into a societal mould.
Therein lies the effort of molding oneself, not just externally, but also internally. With lyrics such as, "Change my face, to look like yours," Mother Mother conspicuously puts forward the irony that agitates many lives. This relentless pursuit of sameness not only loses one's individuality but also leads to a crisis of self-identity.
It's in these verses that listeners could connect the dots to the larger picture of societal expectations around looks. It highlights the narratives that are imposing the need for perfect images for affirmation and popularity. It reminds people of the phrase "Beauty is skin deep" and how it has been misinterpreted and misused, pushing individuals on an endless quest for physical perfection.
In the chorus, the song takes an artful twist, "I am a human, capable of doing terrible things." This line holds a significant role as it reveals a person's ability to descend into negativity, fueled further by societal stereotypes and expectations. The singers may be insinuating that the societal norms and pressures to fit can strip away the positivity in life, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
Moreover, the poignant repetition of these lines throughout the song amplifies the inherent warning against the unsettling balance one goes through in life, especially when they are striving hard to fit into sociocultural norms.
In essence, "Verbatim," an indie track from Mother Mother, manages to uphold a mirror towards society, reflecting our own weaknesses and the blind race towards homogeneity. The band elegantly trolls the societal norms of beauty and its possible perils, with the audience being an active omniscient spectator.
Staying true to their alternative roots, Mother Mother's Verbatim, provokes deep introspection, challenging the listener to question societal norms and their role in conforming to them. It's a wake-up call wrapped in captivating lyrics and music, speaking volumes that the path to self-realization is not in 'fitting in' but 'standing out'.
