Lyrics analysis - Kids by MGMT

Lyrics are a set of words that make up a song, in our case MGMT’s lyrics are very abstract and almost unintelligible, and therefore they are decoded in different ways by each individual. Here I have outlined a few of the possible meanings of our chosen song.

You were a child

Crawling on your knees toward it

Making momma so proud

But your voice is too loud

We like to watch you laughing

You pick the insects off plants

No time to think of consequences

[Chorus:]

Control yourself

Take only what you need from it

A family of trees wanting to be haunted

Control yourself

Take only what you need from it

A family of trees wanting to be haunted

The water is warm

But it's sending me shivers

A baby is born

Crying out for attention

Memories fade

Like looking through a fogged mirror

Decisions too

Decisions are made and not bought

But I thought this wouldn't hurt a lot

I guess not

[Chorus x6]

The first possible meaning is that the song is about life and the different stages. For example the lyrics “crawling on your knees towards it” this could represent a stage of infancy. Similarly the lines “enjoy yourself take only what you need from it” and “control yourself” is said to mean enjoy life and take only what you really need from it, and not be greedy something which strongly affects the current generation.




Another meaning for the song based on the lyrics “when a baby is born” suggests the song introduces another stage in life which is no longer about the success of one’s self but one maturing and the changes and realisation that take place when they have a family.



Some people have linked the song’s lyrics with the ideology of ‘The American Dream,’ for example the lyrics “Making momma so proud” references to the belief that it’s important to do well and make your family proud of you.



Many people believe the song is representing environmental destruction, for example babies and kids are being used as a metaphor because they are innocent and dependant and the way the environment is being destroyed is oblivious to them.