The song "Educate" by Editors explores themes of self-discovery, rebellion against societal norms, and the idea of not conforming to traditional education or ways of living. The lyrics suggest a desire to break free from the monotony and expectations of modern life. The opening lines, "I don't wanna be wasting your time, Over and over, This is how we hide from modern life, Under the covers," imply a desire to escape from the pressures and routines of daily life, seeking solace in comfort and hiding away. The mention of saving one's soul with a drive is perhaps about finding inspiration or passion in something that fuels the inner self. The song emphasizes the need to challenge the status quo and not be confined by societal expectations or limitations. It encourages embracing spontaneity and living in the present moment, depicted with the line, "Cut a corner just to kickstart my mind, Shock me to feel it, This is how we make sense of our time, Waste every minute." The repeated refrain of "Don't educate" suggests a rejection of traditional systems of education and the idea that there is more to life than what can be found in books or classrooms. It implies a desire for experiential learning and discovering one's own path in life. The reference to kissing and whispering in the lyrics suggests the presence of love and intimacy, which can serve as a temporary escape from the challenges and pressures of reality. However, the song also acknowledges that love can be temporary and sometimes based on pretense or pretending, represented by the line, "Love is pretending." Throughout the song, there is a sense of uncertainty and searching for meaning. The lyrics express a lack of knowledge or understanding about what exactly this is, represented by the line, "I don't know what this is, No, I don't know what this is." It suggests a willingness to embrace the unknown and explore life with curiosity. The repetition of the line, "Your history is a map how to live," implies that one's personal experiences and past can guide one's choices and actions. It emphasizes the importance of individuality and learning from personal history rather than conforming to societal expectations. In the chorus, the mention of "a perfect idea, a beautiful plan" represents the desire for something greater, a vision of a life that may seem ideal in theory but ultimately might be unattainable or impractical. It suggests that sometimes, dreams and aspirations can lead to wasted efforts and unfulfilled endeavors. Overall, "Educate" by Editors delves into the themes of escaping conformity, rejecting societal expectations, and searching for meaning and fulfillment outside traditional education or ways of living. It encourages embracing individuality and the pursuit of personal growth and self-discovery.
