The meaning of the lyrics of the song "2082" by the artist "They Might Be Giants"

They Might Be Giants' "2082" tells a story of time travel, where the narrator encounters his future self in the distant year of 2082.

The opening lines depict a moment of disorientation as the protagonist wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, questioning whether he's dreaming or experiencing reality. He then lays eyes on his future self – old, withered, yet eerily familiar.

The next verse describes actions typical of a time traveler: checking his suit, analyzing the atmosphere. He observes his surroundings, realizing the year is 2105, then 2240, and finally 3415. He is astounded by the longevity of his future self.

The narrative takes a sinister turn as the protagonist decides to kill his aged counterpart, seemingly in an attempt to alter the future. He acknowledges the old man's wisdom, but it doesn't stop him.

In the song's final moments, the protagonist returns to his own time, but with the understanding that the encounter with his future self is inevitable. He ponders the meaning behind the old man's gaze, as if he tried to convey a crucial message. The encounter in 2082 appears both fateful and unavoidable.

Analysis:

The song explores themes of identity, free will, and the consequences of our actions. The encounter with his future self forces the protagonist to confront his own mortality and accept the inevitability of fate. The brutal act of killing the old man can be interpreted as an attempt to change the future, but as the ending suggests, it merely postpones the inevitable.

"2082" is a dark and philosophical composition that leaves the listener with more questions than answers.