Meaning of "It's Working" by MGMT

"It's Working" delves into the concept of perception and the difficulty of knowing if something is truly functioning as it should. The song opens with the narrator asking people to focus so that their faces can be seen clearly, but notes that something is off in their eyes, signifying a sense of deception or lack of authenticity. This sets the tone for the uncertainty that permeates the rest of the lyrics. They question how they can determine if something is working as intended, highlighting the confusion and doubt that arises when it comes to discerning the truth in a situation.

The lines "But if I try to feel at all I am deceived / My mind's affected, it's empty now" suggest that attempting to rely on emotions and intuition may lead to deception or confusion. This further emphasizes the idea that determining whether something is working is a complex and uncertain process. The narrator also acknowledges that despite the confusion, they feel alright and their heart is racing, indicating that despite the uncertainty, they are accepting the current state and finding some level of satisfaction or excitement.

The song takes a turn with the lines "Turn the noise on / I'd like to feed my poison," which suggests a desire for distraction or escape. The assembly lines and velvet warning symbolize the repetitive and monotonous nature of life, as well as the potential dangers or warnings that may come with it. This could be interpreted as a critique of societal norms and the conformity that often comes with them.

The chorus repeats the idea that love is only in the mind, not the heart. This challenges the romanticized view of love as an emotion primarily connected to the heart, suggesting instead that it is a construct of the mind. This idea can be seen as a comment on the concept of love itself, placing importance on rationality and critical thinking rather than solely relying on emotions. It also ties back to the overall theme of uncertainty and the difficulty of knowing if something is truly working, including romantic relationships.

Overall, "It's Working" explores the complexities of perception and the challenges of determining if something is functioning as intended. It questions the authenticity of emotions, challenges conventional notions of love, and highlights the confusion and uncertainty that arises when trying to assess the state of things.