Blur's "Birthday" is a song that speaks of the monotony and emptiness of celebrating birthdays alone. The lyrics, written by Damon Albarn, paint a picture of a person who wakes up on their special day to find that no one has remembered or is celebrating it. The opening lines, "It's my birthday / No one here day," set the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the isolation and loneliness of the protagonist.
The chorus, "A think of you day / Go outside day / Watch the sky day," suggests that the person is trying to distract themselves from their feelings of emptiness by engaging in mundane activities, but these efforts only serve to highlight their isolation further. The repetition of the phrase "It's my birthday" throughout the song serves as a reminder that this is supposed to be a special day, but instead it has become a source of pain and disappointment.
The line, "I don't like this day / It makes me feel too small," expresses the protagonist's feelings of discontent and insignificance. They feel that their birthday, which is supposed to be a time of celebration and joy, has been reduced to nothing more than a dull, ordinary day. The repetition of "I don't like these days" in the final verse emphasizes the protagonist's dislike for the emptiness and loneliness that their birthday has brought them.
The song's use of imagery, such as "sit in park day" and "watch the sky day," serves to reinforce the idea that the protagonist is trying to distract themselves from their feelings of sadness and isolation. However, these efforts are ultimately unsuccessful, as the emptiness and loneliness of the day cannot be ignored.
The song's themes of loneliness and discontent on what is supposed to be a joyous occasion are emphasized by the use of repetition and simple, straightforward language. The lack of instrumentation in the song also serves to heighten the sense of emptiness and isolation that the protagonist is feeling.
Overall, Blur's "Birthday" is a powerful and relatable song that speaks to the disappointment and loneliness that can sometimes accompany milestone occasions. The song's themes of discontent and emptiness are reinforced by the use of repetition and simple language, creating a haunting and memorable listen.
