Lyric discussion by annabanana19 

Well, I think it's possibly a social commentary- the singer is critiquing the Bourgeoisie's general mistreatment of and disrespect for the working classes. This song bleeds of contempt.

This is emphasized by the music video, with all the beautiful, rich, well-dressed people wearing masks and performing the necessary intricate dances to particpate in the masquerade of upper-class life. They give the occassional coin to the down-trodden beggar boy; all the while, the boy is actually robbing them, posing the question as to who really has the upperhand.

I totally agree. Its kind of irritating when peoplelook at the surface of a song and just see what they want to. I mean yeh everything is open to criticism but honestly they see lines like King of Hearts and Queen of Spades and they automatically think it must be about some relationship. I think the idea of never really getting to a certain point in the music industry is also good and ties in with your idea becuz ur idea was portryed int he music video but the song itself speaks to what some of the others mentioned.

I have to say Annabanana I've been listening to this song alot, particularly on the elliptical. Listening to the lyrics has social stratification and the spread middle class and top 1% of America. Your interpretation by far has been the best I've so far reading in these meaning. If you watch the media and the news the fight between the King of Hearts (red) and the Queen of Spades (blue)is apparent.

Let's paint the picture of the perfect place (America is perfect) They got it better than what anyone's told you

The boy isn't a beggar, you know. He's working for the band, collecting payment for the performance and doing a little larceny where the opportunity presents itself. In the end I think the song is about envy. It doesn't describe downtrodden and oppressed people. It describes people who aren't living a hard life, but want so much more and feel frustrated that they can't be at the top.

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