Meaning of "Four Out of Five" by Arctic Monkeys

The lyrics of "Four Out of Five" present a satirical and somewhat dystopian view of the modern world and its obsession with consumerism and image. The song portrays a future in which even the moon has been gentrified, with a taqueria receiving four out of five stars. The concept of gentrification is a prominent theme in the lyrics, symbolizing the transformation of once-authentic and unique places into commercialized, trendy spaces. This is reflected in the line "Cute new places keep on popping up since the exodus, it's all getting gentrified."

Additionally, the song touches on the power of advertising and marketing, with the narrator urging the listener to "start your free trial today" and visit their establishment. The exaggerated language of the advertisement, such as "Come on in, the water's lovely," highlights the superficiality and persuasive nature of modern advertising. The lyrics also mention the Information Action Ratio, which can be seen as a commentary on the overwhelming amount of information available in today's society and how it drives our actions.

Furthermore, the song explores themes of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of time. The line "The things you try to forget, doesn't time fly?" suggests that the narrator is reflecting on past experiences and the passage of time. The exodus and the mention of the head of special effects in the mind's eye hint at the idea of memories being distorted or lost over time.

Overall, "Four Out of Five" critiques the commercialization of culture and the constant pursuit of new experiences, urging listeners to take a step back and reconsider the value of authenticity and genuine connections.