By SARAH GRIMSTED
According to Genius Lyrics.com, “The title refers to a topic in journalism and show business, in which they ask this question – or a simplified version of it, such as ‘where are they now?’ – about a formerly relevant person, trend, artist or celebrity that has since dropped in popularity or tabloid appearances.”
“Room on Fire,” The Strokes’ sophomore album, was expected to fail because of the immediate success of their first album, “Is This It?” It did not gain much commercial success, but many critics cite it as their best album. This is because of the distorted, melancholy sound and potent lyricism. “Whatever Happened?” is a question asked about many famous figures who have dropped out of the public eye. And this was perhaps the greatest fear of the Strokes’ at the time.
“I wanna be forgotten
And I don’t wanna be reminded
You say, “Please don’t make this harder”
No, I won’t yet
I wanna be beside her
She wanna be admired
You say, “Please don’t make this harder”
No, I won’t yet”
Fame can be hard to handle. Lead singer Kurt Cobain of “Nirvana” died at the hands of a pervasive feeling of shame that originated from being the center of the spotlight. When every move is recorded, it can be easy to want to be forgotten. The line “Please don’t make this harder” is often used during a breakup and could be applied to the rivalry between band members or their feelings toward the public. “Please don’t make this harder,” Please don’t make it harder for me to gain commercial success.
I’d like to analyze the role of this song in the 2006 “Marie Antoinette” movie starring Kirsten Dunst – which portrays the rise and fall of the French kingdom. Interestingly, these first few lines open a scene in the film shortly after King Louie and Marie fail to produce an heir to the throne. The connection between this movie and what the band was going through could be this- criticism applied to those under the spotlight and the eventual demise of those prioritizing fame and power. “I wanna be beside her, she wanna be admired.”
“Oh, dear, is it really all true?
Did they offend us and they want it to sound new?”
Rumors about bands pervade in tabloids, and in the 18th century, rumors about royal depravity dominated the newspapers. A widespread criticism of the band was that they had it easy due to well-off parents and that they ripped off other bands. A popular criticism of the French throne was that they were too well off and ripped off the French working class (also that King Louie was impotent and Marie Antoinette was a lesbian). I think the movie’s producers may have picked the perfect soundtrack for demonstrating the pitfalls of wealth, power, and fame.
“Top ten ideas for countdown shows
Whose culture is this and does anybody know?”
I wait and tell myself, “Life ain’t chess”
But no one comes in and yes, you’re alone
You don’t miss me, I know”
The royal kingdom often had to develop ideas to maintain its image despite growing revolt from the working class and inner discourse. Popular bands often have to think of what will appeal to the public despite internal conflicts and public criticism (i.g from journalists and tabloid publishers). Is it really about the music? Is it really about the legitimacy of the monarchy? Or is it about maintaining the facade of grandiosity?
In doing so, culture is often misused. For example, Marie Antoinette went through a period of dressing like a peasant, which could be considered insensitive and an example of cultural appropriation under the guise of cultural appreciation. This compares to the modern cultural appropriation often utilized by public figures to appear as if they can relate to the masses. The royal family also relied on the work of laborers from inside their country and from outside colonies to maintain their wealth. “Whose culture is this and does anybody know?” Does anybody really KNOW where their wealth is coming from? Does anybody know about the lives of people from different cultures whose hardships they benefit from? Did the Strokes know when they were accused of ripping off other bands and relaying “profound” messages whilst hoarding wealth? At least this song comes off as a self-aware criticism of a certain kind of pessimistic royal.
The song ends with a repetition of the chorus: “Please don’t make this harder, no I won’t yet.” It leaves us wondering- in which ways do we make things harder for ourselves and others? Where will looking to life as a “chess game” and searching for admiration lead us? What will it bring us? In Marie Antoinette’s case, it led to a slow demise in popularity and eventually death by execution. And in the Stroke’s case, it led to a slow demise in popularity and what likely could have been death by drug abuse or mental health-related destruction.
Featured Image: album cover of “Room on Fire,” via Spotify
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