Meaning of "Some Fantastic" by Barenaked Ladies
"Some Fantastic" is a playful and whimsical song that combines grand aspirations with a yearning for love and connection. The lyrics portray the narrator's vivid imagination and their belief in their ability to achieve great things. The mention of building a fountain to drink from and never grow old suggests a desire for eternal youth, while the idea of creating an elixir to cure the common cold showcases an ambition to solve common problems.
The lyrics also touch upon the narrator's desire to work with animals and conduct natural tests. However, the mention of boiling them down for glue reflects a conflicting and somewhat dark aspect of their aspirations. This suggests that their desire for success and accomplishment may sometimes come at a cost or involve ethically questionable actions.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of wanting to be with someone. The narrator expresses their longing for this person and their willingness to go to great lengths to win their affection. From constructing a machine to eliminate the people in line ahead of them, to launching a satellite named after the person, the narrator's imagination knows no bounds. However, the lyrics also acknowledge that there are limits to what they can achieve in their pursuit and that they have already sacrificed some of their self-respect in the process.
Ultimately, "Some Fantastic" conveys a sense of optimism, humor, and a willingness to dream big, even in the face of potential rejection or failure. It explores the lengths we sometimes go to make ourselves more appealing to someone we care about and the sacrifices we may be willing to make along the way.