Periphery - Music

Frogtoon Music - Song Info: Periphery

Fiona-Apple - The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do

"Periphery" Reflects On The Concept Of Societal Expectations And The Consequences Of Placing Value On External Validation. The Song's Lyrics Suggest A Rejection Of Conforming To The Peripheral Circles And The Superficialities They Represent. In The First Verse Apple Portrays The Peripheral Individuals As "idiots" Who Throw Good Parties But Also Bear A Hidden Burden. She Encourages Listeners To Bear It To Conform If They Desire But She Personally Distances Herself From This Mindset. The Second Verse Continues This Sentiment As Apple Sarcastically Suggests Joining The Periphery To Have One's Name Celebrated And Acquire A Prestigious Pedigree. However She Emphasizes That She Does Not See It As Worthwhile Despite Its Potential Allure. The Chorus Reveals Apple's Frustration With People Who Fail To Appreciate Affection And Love Implying That A Lack Of Depth And Connection Leads To Boredom And Disappointment. She States That She No Longer Likes Or Values These Individuals Implying A Personal Growth Beyond Their Expectations. In The Third Verse Apple Recounts Losing Someone To A "prettier Girl". Despite Her Initial Disappointment She Wishes Them Well And Hopes The Person Becomes A Good Family Man. She Suggests That Relationships Built On Superficialities Symbolized By The Peripheral Circles Are Ultimately Empty And Unfulfilling. The Repeated Phrase "stole You Away" In The Outro Signifies The Influence Of The Periphery. It Suggests That Societal Pressures Can Lead Individuals Astray From Their True Selves And Authentic Connections. Overall "Periphery" Conveys A Message Of Self-Awareness And A Rejection Of Societal Expectations. It Criticizes The Periphery's Shallow Values While Embracing A More Genuine And Meaningful Approach To Relationships And Self-Fulfillment.