The song "Simulated Love" by Electric Six explores themes of artificiality, manipulation, and the distorted nature of romantic relationships in today's society. The lyrics suggest a critique of the entertainment industry, where the "bad girls" mentioned in the song are portrayed as products or objects rather than authentic individuals. The opening lines imply that these girls may be involved in the film industry, possibly as actresses or models, and are sent to the singer by their manager. However, the singer feels disconnected from them, as they appear to be wearing too many clothes and lack clear instructions on how to connect with them. The line "I'd like to show you my suction, but I don't know where it goes" may suggest frustration or confusion regarding emotional intimacy in a superficial and artificial world. The chorus refers to "human dust bunnies" waiting for the vacuum, which could be interpreted as individuals longing for something or someone to come and clean up the mess of artificial relationships and provide genuine connection. However, the "hollow tune" could indicate that these desires and attempts at love are ultimately empty or lacking in true substance. The second verse introduces the idea of parasites, symbolizing those who take advantage of others for personal gain. These parasites may manipulate and exploit the individuals they feed on, yet the victims fail to recognize the harm being done to them. This further emphasizes the theme of deception and artificiality in relationships. The bridge of the song questions the meaning and authenticity of love itself. It critiques the way love and relationships are portrayed in media, with "pretty, pretty pictures in a magazine" selling fantasies and false promises of fulfillment through shallow experiences. The line "No U-turn on the road of life, today's girlfriend is tomorrow's wife" suggests a sense of dissatisfaction and impermanence in relationships, highlighting the transitory and disposable nature of love in this context. The line "Taking color photographs in black and white" conveys the idea of distorted perceptions and the inability to see the true colors or depths of love in a world focused on appearances. The repeated phrase "Love isn't real, unless it's not real" raises questions about what constitutes genuine love in a society that often prioritizes the superficial. Overall, "Simulated Love" by Electric Six paints a critical portrayal of artificial relationships, highlighting the lack of authenticity and the consequences of being absorbed by a world that values appearance over genuine connection. The song suggests a longing for real love and intimacy in a world consumed by superficiality and manipulation.
