"Almost Medieval" by The Human League is a song from their debut album "Reproduction," released in 1979. The lyrics evoke a sense of disillusionment and introspection, with themes of aging, mortality, and societal constraints. The song starts off with the line, "There's something in your soul that makes me feel so old," suggesting a connection or relationship that has caused the narrator to feel aged beyond their years. They feel like they have died multiple times, symbolizing the emotional toll this connection has taken on them. The line, "I'm moving back to the age of men," could be interpreted as a desire to go back to a simpler time or to shed the complexities of the modern world. The song portrays a longing to escape the limitations and pressures of society, represented by phrases like "Jump off the tarmac, there's no stagecoach speed limit" and "Outside the office hangs the man on the gibbet." These lines possibly allude to the feeling of being trapped in a corporate or mundane existence, yearning for something more profound or meaningful. The repetition of the lines "Soft lenses, grow to glasses" and "Small world, dimly seen through cataracts" suggests a blurred vision or limited perspective. This could be a metaphor for how societal norms and preconceptions cloud one's perception of reality and prevent them from fully experiencing life. The chorus repeats the image of jumping onto an escalator, pressing a lift button, and raising dust on old stair carpets. These actions may symbolize futile attempts to escape the monotony of life or to break free from the confines of routine. It reflects a sense of frustration and the realization that despite their efforts, they are still trapped in a cycle of regret and unhappiness. Ultimately, "Almost Medieval" reflects a yearning for a simpler, more authentic existence and a rejection of the constraints imposed by society. It explores themes of disillusionment, the passage of time, and the longing for a deeper connection to oneself and the world.
