Role Model

Phoenix's song 'Role Model' delves into the complexities and contradictions of idolizing public figures. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is thrust into the spotlight, expected to be a paragon of virtue and success. However, the reality is far from the idealized image. The song opens with a sense of skepticism, questioning the authenticity and capabilities of the so-called 'best man' put on a pedestal. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores the disillusionment that often accompanies the realization that role models are, after all, just human.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Role role role model,' emphasizes the performative aspect of being a public figure. The role model is described as a 'chameleon,' someone who constantly changes to fit expectations, yet is 'never out of luck, never out of love, always out of cash.' This juxtaposition highlights the superficiality and the financial struggles that can lie beneath the glamorous facade. The imagery of signing autographs and climbing up the hill further underscores the relentless pressure and the often thankless nature of being in the public eye.

The recurring question, 'Don't you feel like a witness in distress from time to time?' invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of disillusionment and the fading of idealized images ('Is that just the way the roses fade?'). The song's repeated references to 'seeing the summer' suggest a longing for a simpler, more genuine existence, away from the artificiality of public adulation. Phoenix uses 'Role Model' to critique the unrealistic expectations placed on public figures and to explore the emotional toll it takes on both the idolized and the idolizers.