Meaning of "80s Comedown Machine" by The Strokes

The lyrics of "80s Comedown Machine" seem to revolve around a failed attempt at rekindling a relationship or connection. The speaker acknowledges that they have tried multiple times to reconnect with the other person, watching them pass by and yearning to get back to a previous state. However, the recipient of their efforts no longer reciprocates, never trying anymore. This lack of effort is symbolized by the line "You said the world closed down, but you caught it. Get back inside." Here, it implies that the other person has retreated into their own world, shutting the speaker out.

The recurring plea for the person to run away suggests that the speaker believes the other person is trapped or stuck in their current situation. They urge them to escape and start anew, genuinely believing that it will lead to better outcomes. The repeated lines "So please, run away" emphasize the desperation in the speaker's request, as if they are pleading for the other person to break free from their current state of disconnect and apathy.

The reference to closing the blinds for the night can be interpreted as a metaphor for shutting out the world and hiding away from reality. It implies that the person's current state is one of isolation and withdrawal, and the speaker longs for them to break free from this cycle and make a change.

Overall, the lyrics of "80s Comedown Machine" convey feelings of frustration, longing, and a desire for transformation. The speaker's repeated pleas for the person to "run away" suggest a deep care and concern for them, while also recognizing that their efforts to reconnect have been in vain. It serves as a reflection on the complexity of relationships and the disappointment that can arise when one person is unwilling to invest the same level of effort as the other.