Bubblegum Dog

MGMT's song 'Bubblegum Dog' is a surreal and introspective exploration of fear, disillusionment, and the struggle to find meaning in a confusing world. The 'bubblegum dog' serves as a central metaphor, representing a persistent and nagging fear or anxiety that the narrator has been avoiding for years. This fear is described as finally catching up with the narrator, suggesting a sense of inevitability and the consequences of long-term avoidance.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world that is both familiar and bizarre. References to 'tenement homes built upon a fault line' and 'juvenile quetzal birds living in the coal mine' evoke a sense of instability and incongruity. These images highlight the precariousness of the narrator's environment and the underlying tension that permeates their existence. The mention of 'manicured lawns' and 'Tibetan straw men' further adds to the surreal quality of the song, blending the mundane with the mystical.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of disillusionment with the 'earthly world' and a desire to escape from it. The narrator expresses a strong aversion to their current reality, using the phrase 'I hate this earthly world' but acknowledging that 'hate is a very strong word.' This ambivalence reflects the complexity of their emotions and the difficulty of reconciling their inner turmoil. The song concludes with a sense of resignation and a hope for eventual relief, as the narrator prays for the bubblegum dog to be gone and envisions a calmer future.

'Bubblegum Dog' by MGMT is a thought-provoking and enigmatic song that delves into the themes of fear, disillusionment, and the search for meaning. Its rich imagery and surreal metaphors invite listeners to reflect on their own anxieties and the ways in which they navigate the complexities of life.