The meaning of The Less I Know The Better by Tame Impala

"The Less I Know The Better" is one of the standout tracks from Tame Impala's 2015 album, "Currents". The Australian psyche-pop band, primarily known for its frontman Kevin Parker's pristine production and intoxicating soundscapes, proved once again that they are gifted storytellers with this catchy yet deep cut.

On the surface, "The Less I Know The Better" appears to be a straightforward narrative of unreciprocated love. The song’s protagonist is in love with a woman, who he discovers, to his heartbreak, has feelings for another man named Trevor. Here, we can see Parker subtly employing the age-old theme of an unsuccessful love triangle, making the listener immediately resonate with the narrative.

Diving deeper into the song, however, reveals themes of self-deception and the human tendency to focus on negative thoughts. Tame Impala presents this deception through lyrics like "I was doing fine without ya, 'til I saw your face, now I can't erase", showing the idea of trying to fool oneself when dealing with emotional distress. Despite being a pop song, the lyrical depth combined with the unique layering of sounds generates an allure seldom found in contemporary music.

"The Less I Know The Better" also brings forth the concept of rumination - an individual's compulsive focus on the distress, and on its possible causes and consequences, as opposed to its solutions. Tame Impala harnesses this universal pitfall of human psychology and encapsulates it perfectly in the line: "Oh the less I know the better/The harder I'll try to forget her".

Importantly, this song represents a significant shift in Tame Impala's sound from their previous work. "Currents", as an album, marked a departure from their psychedelic rock roots to a more danceable, disco-infused direction. This song, with its infectious bass riff and catchy chorus, is a shining example of this evolution. And it's an evolution that's been embraced by fans and new listeners alike, given the song's remarkable commercial success and enduring popularity on platforms like Spotify.

In conclusion, "The Less I Know The Better" by Tame Impala artistically combines infectious melody with profound lyrical themes of unrequited love, self-deception and rumination. It is a pop song that does not forsake depth for catchiness and stands as one of the most compelling tracks of Tame Impala's celebrated discography.