From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals, 12-string-guitar, synth bass); J.T. Thomas (mellotron); Gibb Droll (Reznor); J.V. Collier (bass); Chad Wright (drums); Mamo Lucas (clarinet); Ethan Gruska (sprankles)
Tag is inspired by Don DeLillo’s writing.
Tag meaning of the song
Bruce Hornsby’s song “Tag” is a complex reflection on the chaos and uncertainty of life, represented through playful yet dark imagery. The song seems to juxtapose childhood games such as “tag” and “kick the can” with darker, more existential themes like pestilence, animosity, and eschatology (the study of the end times). By blending the innocence of children’s games with such heavy subjects, Bruce creates a contrast that highlights how life can be unpredictable and full of both play and peril.
The recurring image of playing “tag” serves as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life’s challenges. Being “it” in the game represents the burdens or responsibilities one may bear, while the chase and touch symbolise the inevitability of facing these challenges head-on.
Playful imagery versus dark themes
The song opens with the line, “I stepped on a crack and tilted the world.” This could be a reference to the well-known children’s rhyme “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back,” but in this context, Bruce is using the rhyme to suggest that even small actions can have a profound and chaotic impact on the world around us. The idea of tilting the world evokes a sense of imbalance or upheaval, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
Throughout the lyrics, Bruce continues to mix playful imagery with darker undertones. The line “Playing tag and now you’re it” conveys the light-hearted nature of childhood games, but it is followed by “Fun and games in pestilence,” linking this innocent activity to a much more menacing reality. Pestilence, meaning a deadly disease or plague, introduces a theme of looming danger or disaster, suggesting that the game of tag has higher stakes than it appears.
In the second verse, Bruce sings, “I stepped on a track and shifted to blur, I was It, with a demon purr.” Here, the playful act of becoming “It” in a game of tag takes on a more sinister quality with the addition of the “demon purr,” hinting at something darker and more ominous. The image of “a demon purr” adds an otherworldly, malevolent presence, suggesting that the stakes of this game are no longer innocent but charged with a more threatening force.
Solipsism and existential themes
The line “Solipsistic reverie over and out” introduces a deeper, philosophical element to the song. Solipsism is the philosophical idea that only one’s own mind is sure to exist. In this context, Bruce may be referring to the self-absorbed nature of people during difficult times, when they retreat into their own minds and concerns, losing sight of the broader picture. The “reverie” refers to a daydream or fanciful thought, indicating that this self-focus is fleeting or unsustainable.
The reference to “eschatological raps” in the second verse introduces another layer of meaning. Eschatology is the study of the end times, often associated with discussions of the apocalypse or the final judgement in religious contexts. By mentioning “eschatological raps,” Bruce could be alluding to conversations about mortality, the ultimate fate of humanity, or the consequences of our actions. The casual term “raps” juxtaposed with the heavy subject of eschatology creates a tension between the seriousness of the topic and the lightness of the language.
The call for kindness amidst chaos
Despite the darker themes of pestilence and solipsism, the song repeatedly calls for “kindly kindliness” in the face of adversity. This phrase suggests a desire for genuine compassion and empathy during difficult times. The use of “kindly” paired with “kindliness” adds emphasis to this plea, reinforcing the need for humanity to come together and support one another, even when times are bleak.
The chorus reflects this longing for better times: “Better times please come quick, we could use, use some kindly kindliness.” The repetition of “use” highlights how urgent and necessary this kindness is in the midst of the chaotic world described in the song. Even though the world seems to be spinning out of control, there is still hope that kindness can bring people together and help them navigate the challenges ahead.
Conclusion
“Tag” explores the contrast between the innocence of childhood games and the harsh realities of life, using playful imagery to frame heavier existential themes. Bruce reflects on the unpredictability of life, where joy and peril often coexist, and where individual actions can have far-reaching consequences. The references to solipsism, pestilence, and eschatology further deepen the song’s exploration of human nature and our place in the world.
At its core, “Tag” suggests that while life can be chaotic and filled with uncertainty, there is always room for kindness and compassion. The call for “kindly kindliness” serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, humanity has the power to uplift and support one another. The song ultimately balances its darker themes with a sense of hope, suggesting that there will be “a time for this”—a time for reflection, healing, and moving forward.