The Meaning Behind The Song: Pac-Man by Gorillaz (featuring ScHoolboy Q)
In 2020, Gorillaz released their seventh studio album, Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez, featuring a star-studded lineup of collaborations. One standout track from the album is “Pac-Man,” featuring the rap stylings of ScHoolboy Q. But what is the meaning behind this retro-inspired song? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Nostalgic Sound of “Pac-Man”
Right from the opening notes, “Pac-Man” transports listeners to the era of classic arcade games. The song features a bouncy, 8-bit melody that sounds like it could have been plucked from the original Pac-Man game. This nostalgic sound is enhanced by the inclusion of sound effects from the game, like the iconic “wakka wakka” noise that Pac-Man makes when he eats a dot.
The use of this nostalgic sound isn’t just a gimmick, though. It speaks to a larger theme of the song, which is the idea of being trapped in a never-ending cycle.
The Theme of Life as a Game
Throughout “Pac-Man,” Gorillaz and ScHoolboy Q use the imagery of the game and its mechanics to create a metaphor for life. In the first verse, ScHoolboy Q raps:
“I don’t need a pill to speak my mind,
I don’t need that shit to feel alive,
Only thing I ever needed was the grind,
Only time you ever see my eyes,
Pac-Man, going for the high score”
Here, ScHoolboy Q is likening himself to Pac-Man, who is constantly striving for a high score in the game. He sees life as a competition, and he’s willing to work hard to come out on top.
In the chorus, Gorillaz sing:
“Cycle starts again
Cycles never end
Death, come back again
Life, come back again”
This cycle of life and death is compared to the endless cycle of a game like Pac-Man. No matter how many levels the player completes, they always end up back at the beginning. The same could be said for life – no matter what you do, you ultimately end up right back where you started.
The Struggle to Escape the Cycle
Despite the bleakness of the message in “Pac-Man,” there is still a glimmer of hope in the final verse. ScHoolboy Q raps:
“Learn to fail, then I learn to grow,
I press reset, then I found my soul,
I ain’t never gonna punch no clock,
Better recognize game, it’s on the block,
Gorillaz with the crossover pop,
Pac-Man with the comeback hop”
Here, ScHoolboy Q is saying that he’s learned to embrace failure and use it as a tool for growth. He sees himself as Pac-Man, making a comeback after a defeat. The mention of Gorillaz and their “crossover pop” could be seen as a nod to their own journey – they’ve constantly evolved their sound and style, and are always looking for ways to stay relevant.
In the end, the message of “Pac-Man” is that life may be a never-ending game, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find meaning in it. By embracing the struggle and striving to improve, we can break free from the cycle and find our own success.
The Impact of “Pac-Man”
“Pac-Man” has received critical acclaim since its release, with many praising the way that it uses the imagery of the game to create a broader metaphor for life. It’s become a fan favorite at Gorillaz concerts, with the catchy melody and crowd-pleasing sound effects getting audiences on their feet.
In an interview with NME, Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn spoke about the inspiration behind the song, saying:
“Life is a game, isn’t it? We’re all players in this weird sort of game… It’s an ongoing theme in every single human being’s life, that you’re constantly confronted by the same challenges and temptations.”
Clearly, “Pac-Man” struck a chord with many listeners, thanks to its relatable message and catchy sound. It’s a standout track on an album full of great collaborations, and a testament to the enduring power of both Gorillaz and classic arcade games.
Closing Thoughts
“Pac-Man” may seem like a simple, nostalgic song at first glance, but it’s much more than that. It’s a meditation on the cyclical nature of life and the struggle to find meaning within it. By using the imagery of the game and its mechanics, Gorillaz and ScHoolboy Q have created a powerful metaphor that will resonate with listeners for years to come.
