Roaring 20s

Panic! At The Disco's 'Roaring 20s' is a vivid exploration of the tumultuous and often disorienting experience of young adulthood. The song's title is a nod to the 1920s, a decade known for its cultural upheaval and excess, drawing a parallel to the modern-day struggles of finding one's identity amidst chaos. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist grappling with anxiety, uncertainty, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

The opening lines, 'Broadway is black like a sinkhole / Everyone raced to the suburbs,' set a scene of abandonment and isolation, contrasting the protagonist's experience with the collective rush towards conventionality. The rooftop gatherings with 'curious strangers' symbolize a search for connection and meaning in an otherwise alienating environment. The repeated references to self-medication and inebriation highlight the coping mechanisms often employed to deal with the overwhelming nature of these 'strange situations.'

The chorus, 'This is my roaring, roaring 20s / I don't even know me,' encapsulates the central theme of identity crisis. The use of the phrase 'roll me like a blunt' suggests a desire to escape reality and return to a place of comfort and familiarity. The mention of prestigious awards like Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys underscores the superficiality and pressure of achieving success, while the protagonist remains uncertain about their own status and future. The allusion to Edgar Allan Poe's 'Tell-Tale Heart' further emphasizes the internal turmoil and the struggle to maintain composure.

The song's bridge, 'Hallucinations only mean that your brain is on fire / If it's Lord of the Flies in my mind tonight,' delves into the mental chaos and the fear of losing control. The plea for a 'sign or a signal inside' reflects the yearning for guidance and reassurance. Ultimately, 'Roaring 20s' is a poignant commentary on the challenges of navigating young adulthood, the quest for self-discovery, and the desire to find a place to call home amidst the chaos.