Songs About Bugs
Songs about bugs aren’t really common, but you are in luck because we have been able to fish some out. Before you continue to read, it is worthy of note that the term “bugs” should not be taken literally, especially when it comes to music, which employs a lot of literary devices. Many of them are metaphors! With that said let’s dive in!
1. “Bug” by Phish
Lyrically, “Bug” by Phish is one of the best songs about bugs. ‘Bug’ could be interpreted in two different meanings, yet both seem to be used frequently when referring to this song. One interpretation links the word “bug” (which appears in the chorus) to the infamous Year 2000 computer glitch.
For those who weren’t around at the turn of the century, the rumored glitch was that computers wouldn’t be able to process dates beyond the year 2000, which would have wrecked the global economy. Even though it seems amusing now, back then, it genuinely scared a lot of people.
To our knowledge, Phish may or may not have been included. The fact that phishing is, in and of itself, an attack on a computer system is interesting, even if it has nothing to do with the topic at hand.
The second widely-held conjecture is that the singer is musing about being a bug in these lines. That is to say, he studies the habits of insects and then draws parallels between them and human beings.
Put down the shopping cart and put down the phone!
Whether Y2K, a bug’s life, or something else served as inspiration, these lyrics read like a criticism of being “preoccupied with things of the world,” as some might put it.
This means that the first step is for the vocalist to get all existential on the audience. And it appears that what he is trying to convey is that most of the time our thoughts are wasted on things that are, in the end, relatively unimportant.
Again, this is the sort of philosophical conclusion one can arrive at by either feeling that the world is ending or by observing the behavior of more basic forms of life.
2. “Numb Little Bug” by Em Behold
The song “Numb Little Bug” is based on the vocalist’s (Em Behold) depression and is rather explicit about its subject matter. This story is remarkable since it is based on Em’s actual experiences with this disorder and her consistent use of medications.
The song’s chorus is also what sets it apart from others. In this case, the singer addresses the listeners personally. The singer claims that the widespread prevalence of depression and other mental health disorders in today’s society is a contributing factor to the song’s widespread acclaim.
The main theme of this paper is that the singer is sick of moping around by herself. She has little choice but to try various medications and potions, all of which have the same disappointing effect. Because of this, she begins to think that perhaps she is “simply broken and broke,” or doomed to experience a life characterized by negative feelings.
Even the title, which alludes to the narrator’s emotional “numbness,” seems to explain itself. However, it should be mentioned that Em has also made it clear that he didn’t plan for this song to be titled such. Instead, she used TikTok as a platform for creative self-deprecation, where she dubbed herself “a numb little insect,” a moniker that has now become synonymous with the song.
3. “Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir” by Brittnee Belt feat. Cash Callaway
The title of the song is a cartoon, and this is the show’s theme tune. Teenage heroes Ladybug and Cat Noir make up the title. More importantly, they are schoolmates who frequently work together but are unaware of each other’s identities.
Also, let’s imagine the two of them are in a complicated romantic scenario. Indeed, such a predicament is what the song’s lyrics largely portray. In another nod to the cartoon, they have no idea they have feelings for each other.
4. “Venus Fly Trap” by MARINA
The name “Venus flytrap” is familiar to the vast majority of the human population. A very rare addition to nature, this plant species digests the insects that get caught in its net. Of course, Marina is using it more symbolically than literally. And what it suggests as being put to use is, in the simplest terms, freedom, and wildness.
And that’s the kind of person the singer portrays herself to be, someone who “did it (her) way” despite societal pressures to be otherwise.
This song was written specifically to inspire that action. To Marina, naysayers and detractors are always present in society. In addition, if you genuinely let such people affect your behavior, you will have less happiness in life. So, instead, the concept of striving to live one’s life to the fullest is what she is advising against.
A paradoxical yin and yang nature of life is how she portrays it. To put it another way, “whatever you offer life, life will give back to you in equal measure.” This is one of the songs about bugs I find interesting.
5. “Moth Into Flame” by Metallica
This is one of the songs about bugs I find interesting. The central theme of “Moth Into Flame” is the pursuit of celebrity. The “flame” of the title is a synonym for “fame.” People who are drawn to these things like moths to a flame are referred to as these bugs.
More to the point, everyone is aware of what occurs when a moth comes into direct contact with flames. The truth is, these bugs are drawn to something that is ultimately bad for them. It can be fatal for some people.
Since Metallica is one of the most well-known rock bands in the world, it stands to reason that they have some experience with the subject of fame.
And despite realizing the drawbacks of their celebrity status, they don’t seem willing to give it up. Further, we know that Hetfield, in particular, can produce some really-powerful tunes when he is emotionally charged, as he was in the aforementioned documentary.
That’s why, in the end, the band sees success as a threat. Because of this, they are advising those who have it to be careful with it. Whoever is not already famous should not make it their life’s mission to become so.
