Song Stories: Tame Impala: Why Won't They Talk to Me?

Tame Impala's second album 'Lonerism' is a psychedelic masterpieces that embraces the great psychedelic moments of the past to create  a luscious floaty ode to solitary life. One key influence on the record is The Beatles. Many artists have used the 'Fab Four' as references. However Kevin Parker has homed in one one moment in The Beatles career. ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ from the 1966 album 'Revolver' a song that has become a cornerstone in music history. 

It’s the song that The Chemical Brothers ended DJ sets with. It’s the one Oasis referenced on ‘Morning Glory’ (“Another sunny afternoon/Walking to the sound of my favourite tune/Tomorrow never knows what it doesn’t know too soon“). And it’s the one on which John Lennon turned on, tuned in and dropped out, envisioning vocals that sound like “thousands of monks chanting” and unleashing his inner astral traveller.

The songs influence can definitley be heard on 'Lonerism' however, this is not merely a tribute act, Parker explores the themes that The Beatles did in 66/67 with great skill and makes something that sounds modern and emotive. The NME described what Parker did on 'Lonerism' in a perfect way. !The default musical response to deep-seated self-loathing would be to pick up an acoustic guitar and emote windily about your myriad problems. Instead, Parker has created something outwardly joyful, a groove-based collection that packs in pop melodies; a Technicolor trip masking his sadness."

One of the albums standout moments is 'Why Won't They Talk to Me? a song that immerses the listener, in a lush dreamlike atmosphere, that juxtaposes he feelings of loneliness. The songs soundscape feels both expansive and intimate, that reflects how loneliness can often feel. Being surrounded by the world and people, and yet feeling alone and isolated. Parker’s production choices reinforce this paradox, blending warm, inviting melodies with distant, echoing vocals, as if the singer is calling out into the void.

The song’s rhythm is steady yet hypnotic, carrying a sense of drifting detachment. The use of phased guitars, airy synths, and Parker’s ethereal voice enhances the dreamlike quality, a hallmark of ‘Lonerism’s’ sonic aesthetic. The instrumental arrangement subtly builds tension, mirroring the growing frustration and yearning in the lyrics.

At its core, ‘Why Won’t They Talk to Me?’ is a raw exploration of social alienation. The lyrics are simple yet deeply effective in conveying the pain of feeling unnoticed and unacknowledged. There’s a certain irony in Parker’s delivery; his vocals carry a sense of resigned acceptance rather than outright despair. This suggests a complex emotional state yearning for connection but also grappling with the idea that maybe solitude is an inevitable part of life.

The song presents isolation and loneliness in it's most personal form. This theme is littered throughout the record but on this song it is at it's most prominent.  There’s an underlying tension throughout the track, with the muted drums and distant vocals creating a sense of vulnerability. Yet, there’s also a dreaminess to the sound, as if the narrator is floating in their own head, unable to break free from their feelings of isolation.

The contrast between the melancholy nature of the song and its smooth, swirling production creates an interesting push-pull effect, much like the internal conflict of wanting to reach out while simultaneously feeling trapped within oneself. This is something that ‘Lonerism’ as a whole does remarkably well: It creates space for both the loneliness and the beauty that exist in moments of solitude.

As a whole, ‘Lonerism’ thrives on contradictions. It’s an album about solitude, yet it is filled with grand, immersive soundscapes. It’s about feeling disconnected from others, yet the music is deeply emotive and universal. Songs like ‘Apocalypse Dreams’ showcase moments of existential wonder, while ‘Mind Mischief’ explores the highs and lows of infatuation. 

The record is full of contradictions and questions to. 'Music to Walk Home By' deals with the alienation and social detachment faced by people. 'Elephant' arguably the albums most famous song  tells the story of a larger-than-life character, likely an inflated version of one’s ego, who is self-assured to the point of being overbearing. 

Tame Impala's third album 'Currents' propelled him into a bonafide superstar with songs like 'The Less I Know the Better' and 'Let it Happen' but he laid the groundwork on 'Lonerism' its an awe inspiring record that finds beauty in the bleak, that make references to the past but is firmly set in modern society and most importantly is full of great songs. 

There isn't a weak track on this album, these aren't just psychedelic affairs they are also brilliant pop songs. It's a masterpiece.