Meaning of "Music for Boys" by The Suburbs

The lyrics of "Music for Boys" by The Suburbs portray a surreal and almost dystopian image of a valley where boys are free to roam and experience the world around them. The mention of a skeleton family, blood being sucked from bones, and flesh burning in the sunlight adds a dark undertone to the idyllic setting. The idea of a summer experience that every boy should share hints at a form of initiation or rite of passage into manhood. The arrival of the mayor with a train symbolizes the authority figure bringing the boys together for an adventure, further emphasizing the theme of community and camaraderie among young men. Overall, the lyrics suggest a sense of escapism, adventure, and the bittersweet journey of growing up and facing the challenges of the world.