Queens of the Stone Age

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I never lie
To myself tonight
Rose-tinted eyes
Color my sorrow
A shade of wine

[Pre-Chorus]
Bye-bye, black balloon
See you real soon
Wave bye-bye (Bye-bye)

[Chorus]
Oh, why you so sad?
What have they done?
Forget those mindless baboons
They're off playing God
Copycats in cheap suits
Are playing it safe
While cannibals of bad news
Consume a parade

[Interlude]
Is it wonderful?
Kalopsia, kalopsia
Kalopsia
Kalopsia, kalopsia
[Verse 2]
Far, far from shore
The land of nightmares
Gone forever more
And I love you more
Than I can control

[Pre-Chorus]
I don't even try
Why would I?

[Chorus]
Oh, why the long face?
You've got it all wrong
Forget the rat in the race
We'll choke chain them all
Fates favor the ones
Who help themselves
The rest feel the sting of the lash
As they row (As they row)
The boat (The boat)
To Hell, to Hell

[Outro]
Row

Have you ever looked at something and thought it was more beautiful than it actually was? That's exactly what the song "Kalopsia" by Queens of the Stone Age is all about. This hauntingly beautiful track from the band's album captures the essence of delusion and escapism, offering a much-needed break from the nonstop rocking energy that defines the rest of the record. With its slow and interesting start, "Kalopsia" takes you on a journey into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the darkness within while seeking solace and redemption.

About Kalopsia

"Kalopsia" is not just a song title, it's a defined delusion. It refers to the phenomenon when people perceive something as more beautiful than it actually is. Written by frontman Josh Homme for his daughters, the lyrics of "Kalopsia" reflect a desire to escape the dark days and find solace in the false beauty that delusion can provide. It's a deeply personal and introspective track that showcases Homme's songwriting prowess and emotional vulnerability.

The inspiration for "Kalopsia" actually came from a fellow musician and lyricist, Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys. Homme and Turner occasionally exchange words or phrases for lyric ideas, and during the making of the album, Homme asked Turner for a word. Turner responded with "Kalopsia" and its definition, unknowingly hitting the nail on the head for Homme's emotional state at the time. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the serendipitous nature of artistic inspiration.

In an acoustic session on WDR 1Live, Homme further elaborated on the meaning behind "Kalopsia." He expressed that the hardest thing to do is tell someone you love them because it requires putting yourself out there. When you truly love someone, you are willing to let them do whatever they need to do, even if it causes you pain. "Kalopsia" explores the paradoxical relationship between love and acceptance, acknowledging that sometimes letting go is the ultimate act of love.

Despite not being released as a single, "Kalopsia" has garnered attention for its captivating visuals. The talented visual artist, Boneface, created a short animation specifically for the song. His artistic interpretation adds another layer of depth to the already introspective and emotionally-charged track, visually capturing the essence of delusion and dark beauty that "Kalopsia" represents.

As a long-time fan of Queens of the Stone Age, I can confidently say that "Kalopsia" stands out as a standout track in their discography. The band's ability to blend haunting melodies with thought-provoking lyrics is on full display here. It's a song that demands your attention and will take you on a poignant journey through the complexities of human emotions.

So, if you're ready to be captivated by the beautifully dark world of "Kalopsia," I highly recommend giving this song a listen. Let yourself be transported to a place where delusion and reality intertwine, and where the true power of love and acceptance is explored and celebrated. It's a musical experience that will leave you both perplexed and bursting with emotions, and isn't that what great music is all about?

• Release Date: May 13, 2013
• Artist: Queens of the Stone Age