Meaning of "Soma" by The Strokes

The song "Soma" explores the theme of using drugs as a form of escape from the troubles and challenges of life. The opening lines suggest that "Soma" is what people turn to when faced with difficult times, as it helps them see pain in a new way. It's portrayed as a coping mechanism that allows individuals to temporarily forget about their problems and experience a different perspective. The reference to "Soma" racing against sun beams and losing against fig trees suggests the fleeting and ultimately ineffective nature of this escape. Despite the temporary relief it provides, it cannot overcome the inevitable challenges and hardships.

The repetition of "Stop and go" in the chorus seems to symbolize the struggle between wanting to escape, represented by "Stop," and the desire to face reality, represented by "Go." There is a constant push and pull between these two states of mind. The narrator expresses a desire to be free from this internal conflict and longs for someone to understand and accept them as they are.

The second verse introduces a different perspective. The narrator sees someone else who is trying too hard to be like others, perhaps emulating the same escapism through drugs. This individual's efforts to fit in only highlight the narrator's own detachment from society and the realization that conforming to societal expectations is not the answer. The line "let me go" suggests a yearning to break free from the pressures and expectations placed upon them.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of addiction and the cycle it creates. The line "Tried it once and they liked it, then tried to hide it" alludes to the initial allure of drugs and the subsequent struggle to hide the habit. The narrator's refusal to listen anymore and their friends' constant demands for more could be interpreted as a commentary on the destructive nature of addiction and how it perpetuates a cycle of craving and withdrawal.

Overall, "Soma" delves into the escapism and pressures faced by individuals, highlighting the temporary nature of relief through drugs and the desire for acceptance and authenticity.