Released: 2010
“What You Know” by Two Door Cinema Club is a track that pulses with the vibrant energy of indie rock and drips with introspection and realization. At its core, the song speaks about understanding and coming to terms with what one truly wants and the fear of loneliness that often dictates our choices. It’s a melody that rolls out the tapestry of self-awareness alongside a longing for connection, perfectly encapsulated in an upbeat tempo that belies the depth of its lyrics.
Right off the bat, the opening lines, “In a few weeks I will get time to realise it’s right before my eyes,” introduce us to a narrative of anticipation and impending realization. The speaker is on the cusp of understanding something pivotal, something that’s always been there but hasn’t been acknowledged yet. This is about the moments in life when the fog lifts, and what you truly want or need becomes crystal clear. “And I can take it if it’s what I want to do,” shows a readiness, a willingness to embrace whatever this realization might bring, highlighting a theme of personal agency and determination.
As the song progresses to “I am leaving, and this is starting to feel like it’s right before my eyes. And I can taste it, it’s my sweet beginning,” we’re thrust deeper into the journey of self-discovery and change. These lines sing of transition, of leaving something behind in pursuit of a fresh start or a “sweet beginning” that’s tantalizingly close. This part of the song resonates with anyone who’s ever stood on the precipice of a new chapter, teetering between the comfort of the known and the thrill of the unknown.
The chorus, “And I can tell just what you want. You don’t want to be alone. You don’t want to be alone,” hammers home the universal fear of loneliness that often lurks beneath our decisions and desires. It’s a powerful reminder of our inherent need for connection and the lengths we’ll go to avoid isolation. The repetition of “You don’t want to be alone” underscores this longing, making it a rallying cry for anyone who’s been at war with solitude.
Moving through the song, “Maybe next year I’ll have no time to think about the questions to address. Am I the one to try to stop the fire?” introduces a hint of avoidance and procrastination. It’s a reflection on how sometimes, we delay facing our problems or making tough decisions, hoping they’ll resolve themselves. Yet, there’s also an acknowledgment of an inner conflict, a question of whether one should put out the fires they’ve started or let them burn as a testament to their decisions.
The later refrain, “I wouldn’t test you, I’m not the best you could have attained. Why try anything? I will get there, just remember I know,” speaks to self-doubt and resignation but also carries a thread of hope. It’s admitting one’s perceived shortcomings while harboring an undercurrent of determination to overcome them, a reminder that the journey towards understanding and fulfilling your desires is often messy and fraught, but always worth the trek.
In conclusion, “What You Know” by Two Door Cinema Club is an anthem for the introspective, for those brave enough to face their desires, confront their loneliness, and step into the unknown in search of their sweet beginnings. Its infectious rhythm belies the depth of its exploration into the human condition, making it a timeless piece that resonates on multiple levels.
