Beg to Differ
Beg to Differ: Unmasking the Layers of Urban Realities
Lyrics
New York is far away from here
New York is perceived as distant from the speaker's current location.
New York is far away from here
Reiteration of the perception that New York is far away.
And you can see it in the rain
The distance is evident in the rain, possibly symbolizing a sense of separation.
And you can see it in the cheap suits and the ties
Observation of the distance reflected in the attire of people (cheap suits and ties).
It's just a fallen away frontier
Describing New York as a deteriorating frontier.
It's just a fallen away frontier
Reiteration of New York as a fallen frontier.
And they are fencing it with fast food chains
Fast food chains and buildings symbolize the changing landscape.
And buildings that go up before your eyes
Buildings going up rapidly symbolize development and change.
And you say everybody's marching to the same beat
Noting a perception that everyone is conforming to the same rhythm.
Marching to the same beat of the drum
Highlighting the conformity to a common drumbeat.
Everybody's thinking of the same thing
People thinking alike or having similar thoughts.
But I will, I will, I will beg to differ with you
The speaker declares the intention to disagree or have a different perspective.
New York is far away from here
Reiteration of the distance between the speaker and New York.
New York is far away from here
Continued emphasis on the perceived distance.
And you can see it in the coffee shops
Observation of the distance in the atmosphere of coffee shops.
And catch it from the corner of your eye
Noticing the distance from the corner of the eye.
It's just a layer of thin veneer
Describing a superficial layer that covers the reality.
It's just a layer of thin veneer
Reiteration of the thin veneer concealing the true nature.
Then it stretches like a parking lot
Comparison of the veneer stretching like a parking lot.
That's swept up in a string of satellites
The veneer is caught up in a network of satellites, possibly symbolizing modern influences.
And you say everybody's marching to the same beat
Repeating the perception of uniformity in people's actions.
Marching to the same beat of the drum
Emphasizing the consistent beat of the drum that everyone follows.
Everybody's thinking of the same thing
Highlighting shared thoughts among people.
But I will, I will, I will beg to differ with you
Restating the speaker's intention to dissent or have a different viewpoint.
Full-moon rising up in the air tonight
Mention of a full moon rising, setting a contemplative mood.
Freight train coming through to catch a ride down one [?]
Reference to a freight train, possibly symbolizing movement and change.
Think about my love, oh my sweater a little tighten up
Personal reflection on love and comfort, contrasting with the surroundings.
The [?] at distance and I feel little better, you see
The speaker feels better as distance increases.
You say everybody's marching to the same beat
Reiterating the perception of everyone marching in unison.
Marching to the same beat of the drum
Repetition of the idea of a common drumbeat.
Everybody's thinking of the same thing
Reaffirming shared thoughts among people.
But I will, I will, I will beg to differ with you
Restating the speaker's determination to have a dissenting perspective.
New York is far away from here
Reiteration of the distance between the speaker and New York.
New York is far away from here
Continued emphasis on the perceived distance.
And you can see it in the setting sun
Observation of the distance in the setting sun.
See it just before you say goodbye
The distance is felt just before saying goodbye.
It's just a landscape of souvenirs
Describing the surroundings as a collection of souvenirs.
It's just a landscape of souvenirs
Reiteration of the landscape being made up of souvenirs.
And I'm embarrassed to be human
The speaker expresses embarrassment about being human.
I'm embarrassed that I want what I despise
Feeling conflicted about desiring things that are despised.
You say everybody's marching to the same beat, yeah
Repeating the perception of everyone marching in unison.
Marching to the same beat of the drum
Emphasizing the consistent beat of the drum that everyone follows.
Everybody's thinking of the same thing
Highlighting shared thoughts among people.
But I will, I will, I will beg to differ with you
Restating the speaker's intention to dissent or have a different viewpoint.
Comment