Meaning of "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish" by A Perfect Circle

The lyrics of "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish" delve into the themes of materialism, consumerism, and the loss of genuine human connection within modern society. It starts off by stating that "Time is money and money's time," highlighting the obsession with money and how it dictates people's lives. The line "We wasted every second dime" suggests that society has prioritized material possessions and shallow pursuits, wasting valuable time that could have been spent on more meaningful endeavors. The mention of "diets, lawyers, shrinks and apps" and "flags and plastic surgery" reflects the superficial nature of people's concerns and their preoccupation with appearances.

The song goes on to reference cultural icons like "Willy Wonka, Major Tom, Ali, and Leia" who have "moved on." This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the passing of meaningful cultural figures and the decline of genuine human connection. The line "Signal the final curtain call in all its atomic pageantry" implies that the decline of society is reaching its climax, with destructive consequences. The use of terms like "atomic pageantry" and "mushroom cloud confetti" alludes to the destructive power of nuclear weapons and the apocalyptic imagery associated with them.

The chorus of the song, with its repeated lines of "Bravissimo, hip hip hooray," creates a sarcastic tone, as if applauding the spectacle of society's downfall. It emphasizes the irony of celebrating the superficial achievements and distractions that have led to the demise of genuine human connection. The mention of "Ticker tape parade" and "Marilyn Monroe in an afterwind" juxtaposes the imagery of celebrations and glamour with the reality of the aftermath, hinting at the emptiness and superficiality that lies beneath the surface.

Overall, "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish" is a critique of society's obsession with materialism, superficiality, and the decline of genuine human connection. It uses cultural references and vivid imagery to convey a sense of irony and warning about the destructive consequences of excessive consumerism and the neglect of deeper, more meaningful aspects of life.