Meaning of "Neighbors" by The Dodos

The song "Neighbors" by The Dodos paints a picture of disconnectedness within a community. Each character is portrayed dealing with their own issues and struggles, but there is a sense of isolation despite living in such close proximity. Ruby is chasing her dog, representing a sense of chasing something unattainable or constantly feeling like something is out of reach. The neighbor doing pull-ups symbolizes striving for success and working hard, but it’s met with ambiguity as the singer hopes he falls - perhaps reflecting a sense of envy or distrust. Sammy painting trees to cover graffiti demonstrates an act of trying to beautify and maintain order in his surroundings, yet the repetition of "I hope he does" hints at a sense of impending doom or losing control. The repetition of "I know them, they know me" followed by "we don't smile, we don't speak" underscores a theme of familiarity without genuine connection, reflecting the common experience of living near others but not truly engaging with them. The song captures the complexities of human relationships, the struggle for connection, and the barriers that often prevent meaningful interactions.