Meaning of "Don't Talk About It" by Tove Lo

The lyrics of "Don't Talk About It" delve into the themes of hedonism, superficiality, and the avoidance of facing reality. The opening lines, "Golden tables, broken mirrors, Naked girls around, Young and scared," introduce a scene of excess and decadence. The reference to "our love affairs" keeping "your conscience down" suggests that engaging in reckless behaviors and pursuing pleasure allows people to escape from their problems and avoid emotional responsibility.

The lyrics further criticize this culture of escapism by referring to the beauty of the world and the need to numb oneself from it with various substances, as seen in the line, "The world is beautiful, believe it with another line." This highlights the disconnect between the idealized world and the need to constantly seek artificial highs. The concept of winning at life is also mentioned, emphasizing the superficial pursuit of success and the belief that engaging in reckless behaviors equates to happiness.

The chorus, "Don't talk about it, Sweep it under the rug like we do, do, Don't talk about it, If you're sitting with us, then you're in too" speaks to the culture of silence and denial that the lyrics advocate. The repeated phrase "your medallion's blindin' your mind too" suggests that material possessions and status symbols blind individuals from recognizing the emptiness of their lives.

The lyrics also touch upon the obsession with appearances, with mentions of "pretty faces, put in place to match the scenery" and the act of taking pictures as a fix for anxiety. This highlights the pressure to present a perfect image and the shallow nature of the culture being described.

Overall, "Don't Talk About It" criticizes a culture that values superficiality, escapism, and the pursuit of empty pleasures. It encourages a cycle of avoidance, where issues are suppressed and hidden beneath the surface. The song acts as a commentary on the emptiness and shallowness of a life focused on external appearances and instant gratification.