Meaning of "Retrovertigo" by Mr. Bungle

"Retrovertigo" explores the hollowness of fame and the superficiality of modern society. The lyrics start by addressing the advertising and fame industry, pointing out that the allure of fame comes with the implication of fortune. However, the speaker recognizes that the fortune is often unseen and questions the worth of selling the rights to their artistic integrity and personal expression for the sake of fame.

The speaker then reflects on their own state, expressing a sense of being dulled by excess and adopting a cynical attitude. They feel that their art merely imitates crime, suggesting a lack of authenticity and originality due to the pressure of satisfying the demands of allies or investors who financially support their work.

The lyrics continue with a criticism of the lack of pursuit of truth in society. The speaker sees truth as a ruined and nauseous end that nobody is actively seeking. They portray themselves as staring into glassy eyes, mesmerized by the empty and soulless nature of modern existence. The mention of a "vintage thirst returning" implies a longing for something deeper and more meaningful, but it is overshadowed by the speaker's sheltered existence and constant channel surfing, representing a numbing escape from reality.

The song suggests that the societal hunger for truth and fulfillment is being replaced by a virtual experience, where every famine (lack) is virtual. The term "retrovertigo" seems to encapsulate this sentiment, referencing a nostalgic longing for the past (retro) while simultaneously feeling dizzy or disoriented. It symbolizes a yearning for something meaningful but being unable to find it amidst the sea of superficial nostalgia and empty consumer culture.

In conclusion, "Retrovertigo" critiques the shallow nature of fame, the lack of pursuit of truth, and the emptiness of consumer culture. The lyrics convey a sense of disillusionment and longing for something deeper, ultimately suggesting that true meaning and connection are being eroded by a virtual and nostalgia-driven existence.