Are You Looking After Yourself?

Courtney Barnett's song "Are You Looking After Yourself?" delves into the pressures and expectations that society and loved ones place on individuals, particularly in the context of modern life. The lyrics reflect a conversation filled with concern and advice, often unsolicited, from a caring but perhaps overbearing perspective. The repeated questioning about working hard, saving money, and maintaining a traditional lifestyle highlights the societal norms that many feel pressured to conform to, even if they don't align with their personal desires or aspirations.

The song's protagonist resists the conventional 9 to 5 job, expressing a desire for a different kind of fulfillment that isn't measured by financial stability or societal approval. This resistance is evident in lines like "I don’t want no 9 to 5, telling me that I’m alive." The mention of friends playing in bands and being better than what's on the radio suggests a longing for creative expression and a sense of community that isn't found in mainstream success. The broken TV symbolizes a disconnect from societal norms and expectations, further emphasizing the protagonist's detachment from conventional life paths.

The latter part of the song touches on personal insecurities and societal pressures to conform to traditional milestones such as marriage and having children. The protagonist's internal conflict is palpable, as they oscillate between societal expectations and their own desires. The line "Should get married, have some babies, watch the evening news" encapsulates the pressure to conform to a traditional lifestyle, even when it doesn't resonate with one's true self. Barnett's lyrics poignantly capture the struggle of balancing personal fulfillment with societal expectations, making the song a relatable anthem for many navigating similar pressures in their own lives.