Modern Man
Modern Man

Arcade Fire - Modern Man Lyrics

In a poignant commentary on the struggles of contemporary life, Arcade Fire captures the existential restlessness lurking beneath the surface of modernity. This track is a soulful exploration of an individual's journey through a mechanically structured world,… Read more

Alternative
Jun 27, 2011
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Modern Man Music Video

Modern Man Lyrics

So I wait my turn, I'm a modern man
And the people behind me, they can't understand
Makes me feel like
Makes me feel like

So I wait in line, I'm a modern man
And the people behind me, they can't understand
Makes me feel like
Something don't feel right

Like a record that's skipping
I'm a modern man
And the clock keeps ticking
I'm a modern man
Makes me feel like
Makes me feel like

In my dream I was almost there
And you pulled me aside and said you're going nowhere
They say we are the chosen few
But we're wasted
And that's why we're still waiting
On a number from the modern man
Maybe when you're older you will understand
Why you don't feel right
Why you can't sleep at night now

In line for a number but you don't understand
Like a modern man
In line for a number but you don't understand
Like a modern man

Oh I had a dream I was dreaming
And I feel I'm losing the feeling
Makes me feel like
Like something don't feel right
I erase the number of the modern man
Want to break the mirror of the modern man
Makes me feel like
Makes me feel like

In my dream I was almost there
But you pulled me aside and said you're going nowhere
I know we are the chosen few
But we're wasted
And that's why we're still waiting
In line for a number but you don't understand
Like a modern man
In line for a number but you don't understand
Like a modern man

And you feel so right
But how come you can't sleep at night?
In line for a number but you don't understand
Like a modern man

I'm a modern man
I'm a modern man
I'm a modern man
I'm a modern man

Writer(s): Jeremy Gara, Regine Chassagne, Richard R Parry, Tim Kingsbury, William Butler, Win Butler
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Modern Man?

In a poignant commentary on the struggles of contemporary life, Arcade Fire captures the existential restlessness lurking beneath the surface of modernity. This track is a soulful exploration of an individual's journey through a mechanically structured world, where waiting in line becomes a metaphor for life's monotony. The lyrics evoke a sense of disillusionment as the modern man questions his role, feeling trapped in a cycle of expectations and societal norms that leave him unfulfilled. There's a dreamlike quality to the song—an almost there that never arrives, underscoring the frustration of wasted potential in being part of the so-called "chosen few." Despite moments of clarity, like a record skipping in time, the protagonist remains powerless to escape the destiny pre-scribed for him. This modern man wrestles with an insatiable yearning to dismantle the reflective glass of societal definition, longing for authenticity and self-realization.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who are the members of Arcade Fire?

    Arcade Fire consists of husband and wife Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, alongside Richard Reed Parry, Tim Kingsbury, and Jeremy Gara. The band's current touring line-up also includes former core member Sarah Neufeld and multi-instrumentalists Paul Beaubrun, Dan Boeckner, and Eric Heigle.

  2. What album is 'Modern Man' from?

    'Modern Man' is a track from Arcade Fire's third studio album titled 'The Suburbs,' which was released on August 2, 2010 in the UK and August 3, 2010 in the US and Canada.

  3. What inspired Win Butler to write 'Modern Man'?

    Win Butler mentioned that the idea behind 'Modern Man' is that it's a happy song with a messed-up time signature. This concept reflects the modern experience where things may seem cheerful on the surface but are complex underneath.

  4. Has Arcade Fire won any major awards for their music?

    Yes, Arcade Fire has won several major awards including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for 'The Suburbs.' They have also received multiple Juno Awards, BRIT Awards, and nominations for Best Alternative Music Album at the Grammys for all their studio albums.

  5. What instruments do Arcade Fire members play?

    Arcade Fire members play a wide range of instruments including guitar, drums, bass guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, double bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, keyboard, synthesizer, French horn, accordion, harp, mandolin and hurdy-gurdy. They often switch duties throughout live shows.

  6. What themes are explored in 'Modern Man' by Arcade Fire?

    'Modern Man' explores themes related to contemporary life such as waiting in line without understanding why (a metaphor for modern life's routine), feeling like something isn't right despite following societal norms ('like a record that's skipping'), and questioning one's direction ('you pulled me aside and said you're going nowhere').

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