"CSTS" by The Joy Formidable seems to be a song that delves into themes of illusion, deception, and the allure of spectacle. The lyrics portray a sense of invitation to witness something, perhaps a performance or display, which is emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "Come see the show." However, beneath the surface of this invitation lies a darker undercurrent. The opening lines "Come sit down, Come see the show" sets the stage for the listener to participate in whatever experience is being presented. The repeated encouragement to "Come see the show" suggests a manipulation or persuasion to engage in something that may not be entirely genuine. Lines like "Let's tell lies" and "Illuminate" followed by "Smokescreen eyes" hint at the idea of deception or masking reality with illusions. This could symbolize how people are often drawn to the allure of spectacle and entertainment, even if it's not entirely truthful or authentic. The line "Hold that thought, Come see the show, Throw it high" might suggest a disregard for rationality or critical thinking, urging the listener to abandon their doubts and immerse themselves fully in the experience being offered. The imagery of being a clown and having one's nose squeezed further reinforces the theme of being manipulated or controlled, perhaps by external forces or societal expectations. The chorus, with its repetition of "Come and try a thousand lives, Of loose time with me, So we're remembering everything," could be interpreted as an invitation to escape reality and lose oneself in the moment, even if it means embracing falsehoods or illusions. Overall, "CSTS" seems to explore the idea of how people are drawn to spectacle and entertainment, sometimes at the expense of truth or authenticity. It suggests a cautionary tale about the seductive power of illusion and the importance of maintaining a critical perspective amidst the allure of the show.
