Meaning of "Compliments" by Bloc Party

The lyrics of "Compliments" seem to delve into the existential crisis that comes with aging and the realization that despite feeling like we have everything figured out, time continues to pass, and our lives may not be moving forward as expected. The repetition of phrases like "What are we coming to" and "What are we gonna do" highlights the sense of confusion and questioning that the speaker is experiencing. The mention of nicotine and bacteria can symbolize the toxic habits or influences that can slowly deteriorate one's life. The song might be a reflection on the passage of time, the futility of certain pursuits, and the inevitability of aging despite our best efforts to resist it.