Meaning of On the Level by Mac DeMarco

February 5, 2025

"On the Level" is a poignant track by Mac DeMarco from his album "This Old Dog," released in 2017. The song encapsulates themes of personal struggle, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships.

The song explores the journey of self-acceptance and the desire for authenticity, reflecting on the relationship between a father and son while addressing the challenges of growing older and finding one's voice.

The song opens with a hopeful tone, as the father figure encourages his son with the lines, "Boy, this could be your year / Make an old man proud of you / Forget about the tears." This sets the stage for a conversation about expectations and the weight of legacy. The father's desire for his son to succeed is palpable, yet it also hints at the emotional burden that comes with such aspirations. The phrase "Forget about the tears" suggests a push towards resilience, urging the son to move past pain and embrace the future.

As the song progresses, the chorus introduces the repeated phrase "On the level," which serves as a mantra for honesty and equality. This repetition emphasizes the importance of seeing each other eye-to-eye, fostering a sense of connection and understanding between the father and son. The line "Stand up like a man / Even from the underside" suggests that regardless of one's circumstances, there is a call to rise above and confront life's challenges with integrity.

In the second verse, the perspective shifts, possibly reflecting the son's internal struggles. The lines "Man, I never had a choice / Never had a chance / Never had a voice" convey a sense of powerlessness and frustration. Here, Mac DeMarco articulates the feeling of being trapped by circumstances, echoing the struggles of many who grapple with their identity and the expectations placed upon them. This vulnerability adds depth to the song, as it acknowledges the complexities of personal growth and the search for authenticity.

The pre-chorus reinforces the cyclical nature of life, where each generation follows in the footsteps of the previous one. The line "Now who's there left to blame?" suggests a moment of reckoning, where the son must confront the reality of his choices and the legacy he inherits. This introspection is crucial, as it highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's life while recognizing the influence of familial ties.

The song concludes with the repeated refrain of "On the level," which serves as a reminder of the shared experiences between the father and son. It encapsulates the essence of striving for honesty and connection, even amidst the struggles of life. The overall mood of the song is reflective and melancholic, yet it carries an undercurrent of hope and determination, urging listeners to embrace their journey with authenticity and courage.

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