November Has Come

Gorillaz's 'November Has Come' is a track that blends abstract lyricism with hip-hop beats, characteristic of the band's eclectic style. The song features a collaboration with MF DOOM, known for his complex wordplay and masked persona, which adds a layer of enigmatic depth to the track. The lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on the passage of time and the changes it brings, both in the seasons and in life.

The title 'November Has Come' itself suggests a transition, as November marks the beginning of the end of the year, a time when the vibrancy of life starts to fade into the cold of winter. This could be a metaphor for aging or the end of a cycle. The lyrics 'Something's starting today / Where did he go? Why you wanted to be? / Well you know, November has come / When it's gone away' evoke a sense of something ending and a new beginning that is not yet clear. The song's abstract nature leaves it open to interpretation, but there is a recurring theme of change and the inevitable progression of time.

The verses delivered by MF DOOM are dense with wordplay and cultural references, touching on themes of authenticity, the music industry, and societal issues. Lines like 'Free coffee at the banks / Hit through the straw' could be critiquing the superficial incentives offered by corporations, while 'The beast got family in numbers asking 'em for closure' might refer to the need for resolution in the face of systemic problems. The song's complexity is heightened by the intricate rhymes and rapid delivery, making it a piece that invites multiple listens to fully grasp its meaning.