Meaning of "Now Is Strange" by They Might Be Giants

The lyrics of "Now Is Strange" seem to convey a commentary on the rapid pace of technological advancements and the resulting sense of disconnection and alienation from the natural world it brings. The description of a mischievous boy replacing blades of grass with wires and batteries suggests a loss of innocence and purity in the face of modernization. The repeated refrain of "Now is strange" reflects a feeling of disorientation and unfamiliarity with the present moment, as the narrator questions what has changed and longs for a sense of stability. The imagery of removing the apartment buzzer with a screwdriver symbolizes a desire to break free from the confines of everyday life and explore hidden, extraordinary possibilities lying beneath the surface. Overall, the song seems to explore themes of technological intrusion, existential questioning, and the longing for discovery in a world that has become increasingly strange and unpredictable.