Meaning of "Pieces of What" by MGMT

"Pieces of What" is a song that grapples with the disillusionment and brokenness of the world. The opening lines convey a sense of despair and frustration, describing a world that is paralyzed and wrong. The line "cold blooded claws never offered anything at all" suggests the idea that those with power or control over society are not providing any meaningful or positive contributions. This creates a sense of emptiness and a yearning for something more.

The lyrics also explore the theme of searching for meaning and longing to make things right. The line "waiting to pick up the pieces that make it all alright" implies a desire to find the fragments that can potentially restore a sense of wholeness or harmony. However, there is a repeated questioning of what those pieces are and whether they even matter anymore. This reflects a sense of disillusionment and a loss of faith in the things that were once believed to be important. It raises the question of whether there is any true meaning or purpose to be found in the world.

The imagery in the song provides further insight into its meaning. The mention of moonlight on the floor and the city surrounded creates a sense of being trapped or overwhelmed. The moonlight represents a source of light and guidance, but it is unable to penetrate the roof, suggesting a feeling of being closed off or isolated. The city being surrounded adds to this sense of being trapped, as if there is no escape from the brokenness and disillusionment.

The song ends with the line "lay my dragon's teeth and shallow water steel at the Belgian gates, I waited for my meal." This imagery is open to interpretation but can be seen as a symbol of the singer's desire for nourishment and fulfillment. Dragon's teeth are a mythical symbol associated with warriors and conflict, suggesting a longing for strength and power. Shallow water steel could represent something superficial or unfulfilling, while the Belgian gates allude to a place of waiting or anticipation. This ending leaves the listener with a sense of longing and a search for something that can satisfy the hunger within.