Play The Old Shit
The Devil Wears Prada
Nostalgia and Identity in "Play The Old Shit"
The song "Play The Old Shit" by The Devil Wears Prada is a raw and introspective exploration of nostalgia, identity, and the passage of time. The lyrics express a sense of frustration with the band's evolution and the longing for their earlier work, which is a sentiment often echoed by fans of long-standing bands. The opening lines, "I fucking hate The Devil Wears Prada / They never play their old shit," set the tone for a reflection on how both the band and the narrator have changed over time.
Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of feeling disconnected from one's past desires and ambitions. The lines "I can't remember what I wanted / But the wheel always turns" suggest a sense of disorientation and the inevitability of change. This is further emphasized by the metaphor of being "caught inside a fever dream / For over twenty years," which conveys a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled dreams and aspirations. The narrator grapples with the realization that their past is an integral part of their identity, as they repeatedly affirm, "I grew up here."
The song also touches on themes of self-awareness and defiance. The repeated assertion, "You don't know me / And I don't owe you," highlights a desire for autonomy and a rejection of external judgments. This defiance is a powerful statement of self-assertion, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the rejection of others' expectations. Ultimately, "Play The Old Shit" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of growing up, the weight of nostalgia, and the struggle to reconcile one's past with the present.