Meaning of "Congratulations" by MGMT

The lyrics of "Congratulations" delve into the complexities of fame and the feeling of emptiness that can accompany success. The song begins by expressing a sense of disillusionment, portraying the narrator as "dead in the water," feeling stagnant and unsatisfied. They highlight the irony of attending protests and demonstrations as the sons and daughters of city officials, criticizing the lack of genuine commitment to causes.

The second verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of fame, contrasting it with the desire for a lasting legacy. The narrator observes others trying to make themselves into stories and immortalize themselves, but ultimately realizing that their efforts are in vain if they go unheard. The song criticizes the superficiality of fame and the illusion of importance that it creates.

The chorus reveals the narrator's reliance on others to manage their life and finances, suggesting a detachment from reality. They long for validation and recognition, expressing a desire for "a great big congratulations." This desire for approval is juxtaposed with the narrator's willingness to sacrifice their own identity, stating that they would rather "dissolve" than be ignored. They feel disconnected from the world, symbolized by the fast-moving ground, while they remain tied to a broken mast.

The following verse criticizes the fabrication of success, portraying it as a concoction of artificial elements. The mention of "cauldron" and "rust and veneer" suggests a process of fabrication and illusion. The song highlights the contrast between the initial stock of waste and the addition of salt to taste, symbolizing the manipulation and artificial enhancement of success.

The final verse expresses frustration towards the narrator's friends who put on fake smiles, emphasizing the narrator's own guilt and insincerity. They save face with "half-assed guilt," suggesting that they are aware of their own superficiality. The song concludes with a resignation towards seeking validation and instead embracing a sense of detachment, spreading their arms and soaking up the empty congratulations.

Overall, "Congratulations" reveals the hollowness of success and the emptiness of seeking external validation. It criticizes the pursuit of fame and the superficiality that often accompanies it, highlighting the disconnect between the desire for recognition and the true fulfillment of personal identity.