The Meaning Behind The Song: The Reflex by Duran Duran
Duran Duran, the British new wave band that emerged in the 80s, has made a mark in the music industry with their synth-pop hits and distinct sound. One of their biggest hits is “The Reflex,” a song that topped the charts in several countries and continues to be a fan favorite.
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But what is the meaning behind “The Reflex?” In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the lyrics and explore the creative process behind the song.
Background
“The Reflex” was released in 1984 and became Duran Duran’s first number one hit in the United States. The song was written by the band’s keyboardist, Nick Rhodes, and lead singer, Simon Le Bon, along with producer Nile Rodgers.
According to Rhodes, the song’s title was inspired by a conversation he had with Le Bon about a friend who had a condition that caused her knee to reflexively kick out. The band liked the way the word “reflex” sounded and decided to use it as the song’s title.
Lyrics Analysis
At first glance, the lyrics of “The Reflex” may seem nonsensical, but upon closer examination, they reveal a deeper meaning. Throughout the song, Le Bon sings about the complexities of romantic relationships, particularly the power dynamic between two partners.
The opening lines, “You’ve gone too far this time/ But I’m dancing on the valentine,” suggest that the narrator’s partner has pushed their relationship to its limits, but the narrator is still enjoying their time together. The line “I’ll watch you when you’re swimming/ Like a Bahia girl” is a nod to the idea of objectification, with the narrator viewing their partner as a sexual object.
Later in the song, Le Bon sings, “You’ve gone too far, but not for me/ I know the reason why you’ve got to hide/ This heart attack is in your mind.” Here, the narrator acknowledges that their partner has a reason for holding back in the relationship, but the narrator is still willing to stick it out.
The chorus of “The Reflex” is one of the most distinctive parts of the song, with Le Bon singing, “The reflex is an only child/ He’s waiting in the park/ The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark.” According to Rhodes, the line was inspired by a children’s book he had read, in which a character was described as “an only child waiting in the park.”
Rhodes took the idea and ran with it, creating a concept in which the reflex is a personification of the power dynamic in a relationship. The reflex represents the person in charge, the one who holds all the cards.
Musical Analysis
In addition to its lyrical content, “The Reflex” is also notable for its distinctive sound and instrumentation. The song features an electronic drumbeat, a lush synthesizer arrangement, and a prominent bassline.
According to producer Nile Rodgers, the song’s distinctive sound was achieved through a combination of creative production techniques and the use of high-quality instruments. For example, the drumbeat was created by layering several different drum machines on top of each other, creating a unique sound that couldn’t be replicated by any one machine.
The use of synthesizers, in particular, was a hallmark of Duran Duran’s sound. The band heavily relied on keyboards and other electronic instruments to create their distinctive sound, which helped set them apart from other bands of the era.
Legacy
“The Reflex” remains one of the most iconic songs of the 80s, and it continues to be a favorite among fans and casual listeners alike. In 2017, the song was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing its place as one of the most influential hits of the decade.
The song’s legacy also extends to popular culture, with “The Reflex” being featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. The song’s popularity has endured for over three decades, and it continues to be a testament to Duran Duran’s enduring influence in the music industry.
Conclusion
“The Reflex” is a classic song that offers insight into a complex subject: romantic relationships. The song’s lyrics and distinctive sound have helped make it a staple of the 80s music canon, and its legacy continues to endure to this day.
As we’ve seen in this article, “The Reflex” is both a product of its time and a timeless classic. Its unique blend of synth-pop instrumentation and poignant lyrics helps make it a standout track in the Duran Duran discography and a testament to their enduring influence in the music industry.
