Meaning of "We've Been Here Before" by The New Pornographers

The lyrics of "We've Been Here Before" by The New Pornographers capture a feeling of repeating cycles and stagnation. The repetition of the phrase "we've been here before" suggests a lack of progress or growth, as if history is doomed to repeat itself. The mention of leaving minds behind could symbolize shedding old ways of thinking or past patterns that hold them back. The desire for rules to guide behavior again speaks to a longing for structure and clarity in a chaotic world. The references to gods of bad parties and invasion lights create a sense of foreboding and unease, hinting at negative consequences or a sense of being trapped in a never-ending loop of repetition. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration, entrapment, and a yearning for change in the face of an inescapable cycle.