Modest Mouse, an American rock band, has been known for their eclectic and unique sound, which is a perfect blend of indie rock, experimental rock, and alternative rock. One of their most popular songs, “The World At Large”, was released back in 2004, as part of their album “Good News for People Who Love Bad News”. It is one of the most beloved songs by their fans and has impacted millions with its beautiful lyrics. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind this song.
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The Story Behind The Song
“The World At Large” was written by Isaac Brock, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Modest Mouse. According to him, the song was written when he was going through a tough time as he lost his girlfriend and his mother, who had passed away. He was struggling with mental health issues as well as alcohol and drug addiction. In an interview with NME, he explained how “The World At Large” is a reflection of his state of mind at that time. The song tries to reflect on the disappointments and hardships of life and how we, as human beings, can learn to live with them.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “The World At Large” are both poetic and profound, and every line seems to hold a different meaning. The song starts with the lines:
Ice-age heat wave, can’t complain
If the world’s at large, why should I remain?
The lyrics indicate that despite the struggles and hardships that Isaac was going through, he was unable to complain as he realized that the world was beyond his control. The song talks about being caught up in the chaos of life and trying to make sense of it.
Other significant lines from the song are:
And the world might not be round, might not be round for us
And I might not be a genius, but I know enough to come in… out of the cold
These lines represent how Isaac perceives the world and that there are more significant things at play than our own individual problems. The last line reflects that although he might not know much, he does recognize that it is essential to step away from the craziness of life, find some peaceful moments, and gather some clarity.
The song concludes with:
Float on, float on
Float on, float on
This line is repeated multiple times to show how important it is to keep moving forward and facing life’s challenges.
The Message
Overall, “The World At Large” is a song about accepting your situation, even when things seem to be out of your control. It is about persevering and continuing to move forward with life, regardless of how hard it may seem. The song’s message is to keep a positive mindset, maintain resilience, and never lose faith in oneself.
FAQs
1. What genre is “The World At Large” by Modest Mouse?
“The World At Large” is classified as indie rock, experimental rock, and alternative rock.
2. What is the meaning behind the song’s title?
The title “The World At Large” speaks to the grandeur of the world and how we can sometimes feel small in it.
3. Who wrote “The World At Large” by Modest Mouse?
Isaac Brock, the lead vocalist and guitarist of Modest Mouse, wrote “The World At Large”.
4. What inspired the lyrics of “The World At Large”?
Isaac was going through a tough time and struggling with mental health issues and addiction when he wrote “The World At Large”. The song’s lyrics reflect his situation and his attempt to make sense of the world and his place in it.
5. When was “The World At Large” by Modest Mouse released?
“The World At Large” was released in 2004 as part of Modest Mouse’s album “Good News for People Who Love Bad News”.
6. What message does “The World At Large” convey?
“The World At Large” is about accepting one’s situation, persevering, continuing to move forward with life, and never losing faith in oneself.
7. What is the significance of the line “Float on, float on”?
The line “Float on, float on” is repeated multiple times to emphasize the importance of moving forward, facing life’s challenges, and maintaining a positive mindset.
8. Are there any specific events or people that the song is about?
“The World At Large” is not about any specific events or people but is a reflection on Isaac’s state of mind at the time he wrote the song.
9. Has the song won any awards or been critically acclaimed?
“The World At Large” was critically acclaimed and nominated for the Best Alternative Music Album award at the 2005 Grammy Awards.
10. What is the relation between the song’s lyrics and Isaac Brock’s life?
“The World At Large” is written from Isaac’s personal experience of struggling with mental health and addiction, losing his girlfriend and mother, and trying to make sense of the world.
11. Why is “The World At Large” one of Modest Mouse’s most popular songs?
The song’s poetic and profound lyrics resonate with people who are going through hard times, and the song’s message of resilience and hope has made it a favorite among Modest Mouse fans.
12. What do critics say about “The World At Large”?
Critics have praised the song’s lyrics, with some called it an anthem of resilience and hope. The song has been described as having a universal appeal due to its uplifting message.
In conclusion, “The World At Large” is a beautiful, profound song by Modest Mouse, reflecting a deep insight into the human condition. Its lyrics are poetic, thought-provoking, and impactful. The song’s message is one of resilience, hope, and accepting one’s situation, despite the ups and downs of life. The way that it has resonated with millions, is a testament to the fact that sometimes a song can reach a level of spiritual and emotional communion that words fail to capture completely.
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