The lyrics of "Waist" by Sonic Youth depict a scene where X-Girl and her friends are spending money on partying and glamorous items, while the narrator expresses a fear of wasting away and losing themselves in superficial pursuits.

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Meaning of "Waist" by Sonic Youth


The lyrics of "Waist" by Sonic Youth seem to reflect a sense of disillusionment with consumerism and the superficiality of material pursuits. The mention of X-Girl and her friends spending money on "boy-smash" and glamour suggests a lifestyle driven by appearances and instant gratification. The narrator's plea to not waste away and reference to seeing others slip away into superficiality hint at a fear of losing one's authentic self in the pursuit of societal ideals of beauty and success. The refrain of not letting themselves waste away and the desire to make an angel smile could be seen as a yearning for genuine connection and meaning amidst the superficiality of the world portrayed in the song. Overall, "Waist" seems to convey a message about the importance of staying true to oneself and not getting lost in the pursuit of fleeting pleasures or societal expectations.