Meaning of "Retrovertigo" by Avenged Sevenfold

The lyrics of "Retrovertigo" delve into the concept of selling out in the entertainment industry and the detrimental effects it has on both the artist and society as a whole. The opening lines critique the idea of fame being presented as a glamorous achievement without acknowledging the lack of fortune and true fulfillment that often accompanies it. By "selling the rights to your blight," the artist highlights the sacrifices made by artists who trade their creative freedom for financial gain.

The song also explores the destructive nature of excess and cynicism. The artist portrays themselves as dulled and disillusioned by the indulgence that comes with fame, adopting a cynical perspective that sees their art imitating crime. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the superficial nature of popular art that simply panders to commercial trends rather than pushing boundaries or offering genuine artistic expression.

The lyrics mention being paid for by "the allies," suggesting that the artist's work is supported and financed by those who benefit from their talent, further emphasizing the transactional nature of the entertainment industry. The artist questions the pursuit of truth, as they see it only leading to ruin and conclude that nobody is genuinely interested in pursuing it.

There is a yearning for authenticity and genuine experiences that shines through in the lyrics, contrasting with the virtual and artificial nature of modern society. The artist refers to a "vintage thirst returning," suggesting a desire for a time when things were more authentic and less driven by commercial interests. However, they also acknowledge their own sheltering from this thirst through mindless channel-surfing, highlighting the escapism and disconnect that technology can bring.

In the last stanza, the lyrics introduce the idea of "post-ironic" and the struggle to distinguish between genuine expression and imitation, posing the question of whether it is fashion or disease. This can be seen as commentary on the prevalence of superficial trends and the pressure to conform to them, rather than focusing on true artistic integrity. The mention of "remains a mouth to feed" alludes to the idea that even though the artist may have compromised their creativity, they still rely on their art for sustenance and survival.

Overall, "Retrovertigo" critiques the shallow pursuit of fame and fortune in the entertainment industry, expressing a longing for authenticity and genuine experiences in a world saturated with artificiality and virtual escapism.