"Zero Sum" is a new english song by The Smile, published on The Smile's YouTube channel. The song was written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner. It is a thought-provoking track produced by Sam Petts-Davies, with lyrics that… Read More
Zero Sum Lyrics
- Lyrics
- Meaning
[Verse 1]
Zero sum, mute point
A cut out trying to fill the void
A shit grin, a performance
A tipping point, loose banister
The physical lines of forced thought
That's a lot to burn for no reason
A gas leak, I'm falling through the ice
A vacant lot to buy, vacant lot to buy
A clipped tongue, acting dumb
Somewhere in the past in a re-run
[Pre-Chorus]
Thinking all the ways the system will provide
Windows 95, Windows 95
[Chorus]
So over confident, confident, confident
They're so over confident, confident, confident
That's another red flag, red flag
That's another red flag, red flag
[Verse 2]
The masterclass, the TED Talk
That's a lot to burn for no reason
They're thinking all the ways the system will provide
Windows 95, Windows 95
[Verse 3]
Listen close, listen carefully
You will hear that the birds are in the wrong place
Fortunately there the system will provide
Windows 95, Windows 95
[Chorus]
They're so over confident, confident, confident
They're so over confident, confident, confident
That's another red flag, red flag
That's another red flag, red flag
[Verse 1]
This section introduces a feeling of emptiness and frustration. The singer, Thom Yorke, describes a futile attempt to fill a void, hinting at a deeper existential crisis. The references to a "cut out" and "a lot to burn for no reason" emphasize the pointlessness of certain efforts. The imagery of a gas leak and falling through the ice reflects a sense of danger and instability, while the vacant lot suggests a loss of purpose. The "clipped tongue" indicates a forced silence or inability to express true thoughts, leading to a sense of acting dumb in a repetitive, meaningless cycle.
[Pre-Chorus]
In this part, the singer shifts focus to societal systems. The line "thinking all the ways the system will provide" suggests a reliance on outdated or failing structures, with "Windows 95" serving as a metaphor for obsolete systems. This repetition highlights the complacency and blind faith in systems that are no longer effective.
[Chorus]
The chorus amplifies the theme of overconfidence. The repeated phrase "they're so overconfident" points to the arrogance of those who believe in flawed systems without recognizing the warning signs, symbolized by "red flags." The repetition of these words reinforces the sense of ignorance and denial, critiquing those who blindly trust in failing institutions.
[Verse 2]
In this verse, the song continues its critique by referencing modern-day symbols of expertise, like "masterclass" and "TED Talk." The repetition of the line "that's a lot to burn for no reason" echoes the sentiment of waste and futility from the first verse. Again, the singer highlights the reliance on systems, suggesting that these forms of knowledge and authority might be just as flawed as the outdated technologies they replace.
[Verse 3]
This section takes a more surreal approach, with the singer urging the listener to "listen carefully." The misplaced birds symbolize a world that is out of sync, further emphasizing the breakdown of systems. The repeated mention of "Windows 95" serves as a reminder that even in a world gone wrong, people continue to rely on outdated or ineffective solutions.
[Chorus]
The final chorus reiterates the themes of overconfidence and ignorance, with the singer pointing out the persistent "red flags" that are ignored. The repetition drives home the idea that society is trapped in a cycle of arrogance and failure to address real issues, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension.
More The Smile Songs
About Song
"Zero Sum" is a new english song by The Smile, published on The Smile's YouTube channel. The song was written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Tom Skinner. It is a thought-provoking track produced by Sam Petts-Davies, with lyrics that delve into complex themes. Released on August 28, 2024, "Zero Sum" reflects The Smile's unique approach to music and forms part of their growing discography.
The song's lyrics are layered with meaning, exploring themes of disillusionment, societal systems, and personal introspection. "Zero Sum" metaphorically addresses the emptiness that comes from trying to fill voids with superficial solutions. It critiques overconfidence in flawed systems, symbolized by the reference to "Windows 95." The tone is both cynical and reflective, questioning the efficiency of established structures and the human behaviors they influence.
Credits
Zero Sum Official Video
FAQs
The "Zero Sum" song is sung by The Smile.
The "Zero Sum" song by The Smile lyrics was written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood & Tom Skinner.
The "Zero Sum" song by The Smile was produced by Sam Petts-Davies.
The Smile released "Zero Sum" song on Aug 28, 2024.
I think it is moot point – defined: A moot point can be either an issue open for debate, or a matter of no practical value or importance because it’s hypothetical.