Meaning of "Leisure" by XTC

` The lyrics of "Leisure" highlight the theme of alienation in a technologically advanced society. The speaker expresses frustration at being taught how to work, yet feeling unable to shirk or avoid work effectively. The intrusion of science into daily life is depicted negatively, as seen in the reference to a microchip replacing the speaker's job. This loss of purpose leads the speaker to indulge in escapism, through activities like playing TV games and avoiding physical exertion. The idea of being "permanently drunk" symbolizes a state of numbness and detachment from reality that many experience in a society where traditional jobs are disappearing. The repetition of the word "Leisure" serves as a mocking commentary on the concept of leisure itself, suggesting that it is not truly fulfilling or enjoyable, but rather a means of distraction. The final lines about searching for nonexistent jobs and lounging at home underscore the futility and disillusionment felt by many individuals in a world where technology has reshaped labor and leisure dynamics, leaving them feeling lost and disconnected.

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