Meaning of Newsreel Babies by INXS

Unpacking the Themes of "Newsreel Babies" by INXS

Emotional Autonomy in a Chaotic World

The song "Newsreel Babies" by INXS is a thought-provoking exploration of themes that resonate deeply with many listeners. The lyrics, penned by the band’s lead vocalist Michael Hutchence, delve into the complexities of human emotions, the power of media, and the quest for meaningful connections in a world that often feels overwhelming and disconnected. As I reflect on this song, I am reminded of my own experiences with emotional turmoil and the longing for a sense of control and intimacy.

A Physical Barrier to Emotional Protection

The opening lines of the song, "Venetian blinds are crackling, I like the noise, it’s got texture, hit it again when I’m mad, close it again when I’m sad", immediately convey the singer’s desire for a physical barrier between themselves and the world around them. The Venetian blinds, with their crackling noise, serve as a metaphor for the chaos and uncertainty that can surround us. By embracing this texture, the singer finds solace in the imperfections and unpredictability of life. This desire for control is a common theme in the song, as the singer seeks to create a sense of security and detachment from the world.

The Desire for Solace and Power

The next set of lyrics, "With the door closed I’m a king, no questions, no answers, don’t like talking without reason, what’s the use if you stop feeling?", highlights the singer’s longing for temporary solace and power in their personal space. Closing the door becomes a metaphorical action that shields them from external inquiries and the need to engage in conversation without purpose. This could represent a retreat into oneself, avoiding emotional vulnerability. The singer’s desire for autonomy and control is palpable, as they seek to create a space where they can be king, free from the burdens of external expectations.

Critiquing the Media and its Portrayal of Reality

The following lines, "All alone, I’m cynical to the T.V, newsman’s making passes to newslady, camera stops – Newsreel babies", critique the media and its portrayal of reality. Becoming cynical towards the television suggests a skepticism or mistrust of the news and its ability to accurately depict events. The mention of a newsman making passes to a newslady hints at a superficial and manufactured nature of media personas. The line "camera stops – Newsreel babies" may refer to the manipulation and contrived nature of news segments, where individuals are reduced to mere pawns in a larger narrative. This critique of the media serves as a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating the information we consume and the potential for bias and manipulation in the way we perceive reality.

Longing for Meaningful Connections

The final lines of the song, "I like to close all the doors, make it dark, make it cool, come in and talk, whatever you like, I don’t mind if it’s something new", reveal a desire for controlled intimacy and a passive openness to new experiences. The singer enjoys creating an environment of seclusion and detachment, allowing for deep conversations or explorations of novel ideas. This longing for meaningful connections in a world that often feels manufactured or disconnected is a universal human experience, and the song provides a powerful expression of this desire.

Conclusion

"Newsreel Babies" by INXS is a thought-provoking exploration of themes that continue to resonate with listeners today. The song’s exploration of emotional autonomy, the power of media, and the longing for meaningful connections provides a powerful commentary on the human experience. As I reflect on this song, I am reminded of my own experiences with emotional turmoil and the importance of creating a sense of control and intimacy in a chaotic world.

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