Record: Non-Secure Connection (album) .. 2020
The Rat King features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals); Rob Moose (string arrangement, violin, viola)
From Bruce Hornsby on Apple Music:
“It’s not a requiem for the salesman specifically, but for malls and mall culture. The internet that kills businesses like the newspaper business and the record business is killing retail. It’s a song sung by a person who works at a store and is a high achiever, and they’re feting him, celebrating him with some award. But he’s obviously a guy who is dissatisfied with where he is. ‘This is what I do best, but I’ll do better,’ as the song says. I want it to be an empathetic view of this guy. He’s not a jerk, not an asshole. Not pompous or with a big ego – he’s just a guy, doing his job and doing it well. To me, it serves as a personal tale but also serves as a requiem for a certain area of American life and life around the world that is going away. We’re probably going to lose these things. I don’t know if anybody cares, but it is a fact.”
The Rat King meaning
Bruce Hornsby’s song “The Rat King” serves as a poignant commentary on modern consumer culture, particularly focusing on the decline of malls and retail spaces in the face of an increasingly digital world. Through the perspective of a dedicated salesman, the lyrics explore themes of recognition, dissatisfaction, and the inevitable changes in society.
A reflection on consumerism
The song opens with the narrator standing “up proud,” basking in applause and recognition from peers. This scene sets the stage for a critical examination of achievement and validation within the retail environment. The phrase “Salesman Recognition Day” is emblematic of the corporate culture that rewards individuals based on their sales performance, reinforcing a sense of competition and accomplishment. However, Bruce implies that this recognition may be superficial, as it occurs within a decaying system that is losing relevance in today’s economy.
The decline of mall culture
Bruce explicitly addresses the decline of malls, suggesting that they are “going the way of the motor midway.” This metaphor alludes to the fading excitement of once-popular amusement parks and attractions, paralleling the dwindling foot traffic and vibrancy of shopping malls. The nostalgia for these spaces reflects a broader loss of community and connection as people turn to online shopping, which often lacks the personal touch of in-person interactions.
The complexity of the salesman’s role
Throughout the song, the narrator grapples with their identity and performance. While they excel in their role, the line “Only I can fix it, that’s what they say” underscores a feeling of pressure to maintain success in a faltering industry. This sentiment highlights the anxiety and insecurity that can accompany such recognition. Bruce captures the internal conflict of being celebrated for one’s achievements while simultaneously feeling dissatisfied with the state of one’s surroundings and career.
Empathy for the protagonist
Bruce describes the salesman as “not a jerk, not an asshole,” suggesting a depth of character that transcends the typical corporate archetype. The narrator is portrayed as a dedicated worker who takes pride in their job and is aware of their environment’s shifting dynamics. Lines such as “This is what I do best, but I’ll do better” convey a desire for growth and improvement, reflecting a common human aspiration amidst the uncertainties of life and work.
The metaphor of the rat king
The titular “Rat King” serves as a potent metaphor for the struggles of modern society. In folklore, a rat king refers to a phenomenon where multiple rats become entangled by their tails, symbolising chaos and the loss of individuality. By claiming the title of “king of the rats,” the narrator acknowledges their position within a flawed system, where success is marred by the underlying decay of the industry. This imagery evokes a sense of resignation to one’s circumstances while also implying a recognition of the absurdity of the situation.
Cultural references
The song’s mention of “the motor midway” may draw parallels to the broader cultural landscape, referencing the decline of traditional entertainment and retail spaces. This sentiment is echoed in various cultural critiques of consumerism and its impact on society. Bruce’s reference to the “old racket” encapsulates the transactional nature of sales and the commodification of human interaction, revealing a deeper discontent with the state of contemporary life.
“The Rat King” intertwines personal narrative with broader societal commentary. The song reflects on the changing landscape of consumer culture and the complexities of individual identity within a fading industry. By blending empathy for the protagonist with poignant observations on modern life, Bruce crafts a compelling exploration of the human experience in the face of inevitable change, inviting listeners to contemplate the significance of their own roles in a rapidly evolving world.