Released: 2007
“Kids” by MGMT throws us back into the world of being a child but then smacks us with the reality of growing up and the world’s expectations. It’s a rollercoaster of nostalgia mixed with a dose of environmental consciousness.
The song kicks off by painting a picture of innocence with a child crawling on their knees, a universal sign of the earliest stages of exploration. This innocence is contrasted sharply with the line “but your voice is too loud”, suggesting early on that society often tries to mute the natural curiosity and exuberance of children. The laugh of a child and their fascination with the simple act of picking insects off plants are symbols of this innocence and a carefree life without worrying about the consequences of every action.
As we dive deeper, the catchphrase “Control yourself, take only what you need from it” blasts through. It’s a powerful statement about moderation and the importance of not taking more than we need from the planet – think of it like being told not to be greedy because it’s not just about us. The “family of trees wanted to be haunted” is a poetic way of saying that nature has its ghosts, its stories, and its spirits, and we should respect it, not invade or take too much from it.
The song then gets a bit chilly with “The water is warm, but it’s sending me shivers”, hinting at a discomfort with the world as it is. The birth of a baby crying for attention could symbolize new life or ideas demanding to be noticed amidst the chaos of the world. And the “memories fade like looking through a fogged mirror” line? That’s all about how, as we get older, our clear, sharp memories of childhood start to blur and change.
The line “Decision to decisions are made and not bought” feels like a wake-up call that our choices define us, not the things we own. And the kicker, “I thought this wouldn’t hurt a lot, I guess not”, lands like a reality check that sometimes, facing the truth of our actions and their impact on the world can be painful.
The repeated urging to “Control yourself, take only what you need from it” throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder of the importance of self-discipline and sustainability in our interactions with the world around us. The mention of a “family of trees” again toward the end emphasizes the idea of nature being a living, breathing entity with its own needs and desires.
