"So What" by John Cale is a cryptic and abstract song, and its lyrics are open to interpretation. The meaning and story of the song can vary depending on the listener's perspective. Here is one possible interpretation: The song seems to delve into themes of decision-making, societal trends, and the consequences of our actions. The idea of time and its effect on our lives is also prominent. The opening lines suggest that decisions were made quickly, causing uncertainty and confusion. The phrase "savage ineptitude motionless spectacle" might imply that there were reckless and thoughtless actions taken in a stagnant and unchanging situation. The repetition of the question "What do we learn from that?" reflects a collective reflection upon the world and its continuous cycle. Despite the chaos and mistakes, life goes on, and we are expected to learn from our experiences. The lyrics mention a fractured event and the absence of people. This could symbolize a disrupted or broken moment in time when nobody remained. The line "One day you said you will return, safer by far than the fools at the bar" suggests someone making a promise to come back and feeling superior to others who are drinking at a bar. It could allude to finding solace or safety in a different place or mindset. The song seemingly criticizes the demand for materialistic luxury, which hides the underlying misery or suffering. There is a contrast between the fast movement of society and our inability to properly address trouble or problems. The lyrics imply that we need to slow down and take time to learn from our mistakes and the world around us. The mention of a shattered inevitable greed hints at the destructive nature of insatiable desires. The line "You're walking on locusts, you like to do that, I can hear it when you talk" suggests that someone is oblivious to the consequences of their actions and the harm they cause, possibly due to their self-centeredness. The context in which we live determines our fate, and it comes to the narrator's mind when they are alone. The comforting voice of another person silences their thoughts until then. The final lines repeat the question of whether we ever truly learn from our mistakes and experiences. In summary, "So What" engages with themes of decision-making, societal trends, consequences, and reflection on the human condition. The lyrics are open-ended, allowing room for interpretation and analysis.
