Panic! At The Disco: The Meaning

3. London Beckoned Songs About Money Written by Machines

This song is about critics and people disapproving them. Often labels and critics really push bands to move quickly and not stay true to themselves. Panic! instead doesn't want to be immediately judged for their different style, and wants people to hear them out first.

The title is a quote from the Douglas Coupland book Shampoo Planet:

" Extremely horrid tunage from London beckoned songs about money written by machines "

  Stop stalling, make a name for yourself  

This line sets the feeling for the rest of the song. The record label is telling new bands trying to make it on the scene; this being P!ATD's first album, they're probably talking to them.

It also suggests that many people have dreams and aspirations, yet never act on them. Instead of allowing themselves to become successful, they just continue to doubt themselves.

  Boy, you better put that pen to paper and charm your way out
If you talk, you better walk
You better back your shit up
With more than good hooks
While you're all under the gun  

This further suggests the pressure for bands to make quick success. Bands immediately must be a witty song writer, and have an even greater work ethic than someone who's already made it. If they're serious, they must leave everything and tour — that's how you gain fans.

Unlike in most genres, Panic! needed more than just hooks to make a name in alternative rock. Especially since they're starting off their career so innovative and unique, they feel the pressure to keep it that way and not fall behind expectations.

  Start talking a sensationalist
Oh, he's slightly clever to just a certain extent  

Sensationalism is the use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy. The critic is accusing Panic! of trying to provoke an angst-ridden, emotional response with their fast beats and dense, often bitter lyrics.

Although the songs are only somewhat witty or well written, according to general critics' opinions. The world of media and record labels expects more from them than lyrical witticism.

  Panic! meet the Press  

All eyes are on them, and it's time for them to make their debut. The press is just waiting to feed off their success — or tear them apart.

Around the time this album was released, celebrity culture and the animosity of the media and press were common subjects for pop-punk and punk-rock bands such as Panic! at the Disco, Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte.

  It's time for us to take a chance
It's time for us to take a chance  

It's time for the band to challenge themselves and their audience with their music.

Fever  itself was a challenge to audiences, because it was such a deviation from anything previously done in the pop-punk/punk rock world. It was even riskier as a debut album.

  Well we're just a wet dream for the webzine
Make us it, make us hip, make us scene  

A webzine is simply a magazine posted to the internet. In 2005, this may have seemed like a common term — but today it seems a bit odd. It'll be similar to a "wet dream" to the writers, which is another name for a sexual dream. The websites can't wait to talk about Panic! because of their edgy themes.

The band's image allows them to be recognized immediately by pandering to the alternative rock audience (making them an attractive band for record companies looking for a quick buck), which in some cases includes "scene kids." Scene kids are those who are typically interested in a genre of music called "emo." In 2005, Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy may have fit into this genre.

  Or shrug us off your shoulders
Don't approve a single word we wrote  

  Initially, a number of critics disregarded Panic! At The Disco, particularly disapproving of their unconventional and controversial choice of lyrics (the most controversial were written by Ryan Ross). As shown by this line and how the album came out, the band did not listen to such accusations; as shown by the album's success, they made the right choice.  

  I'm burning and I'm blacking my lungs
Boy, you know it feels good with fire back on your tongue  

Brendon Urie smokes, and here he is satirically noting that he is causing great damage to his lungs. He is comparing smoking to making music; when he does both of these things, he feels better.

Brendon and Panic! are hot topics, and these lines turn that saying into something literal — actual heat. When people talk about them, they are emitting "fire" like a dragon, and burning their tongues in the process.

  Oh, keep quiet let us sing like the doves
Then decide if it's done with purpose or lack thereof  

Doves are often symbolism of peace. They want to be left alone while they make music, and not have all the naysayers judge before hearing the whole product. This is Brendon's way of saying, "Shut up and let us do what we do best first, then you can judge whether or not we have substance or if we are just a passing fad."

After several , MTV, Grammy, and Kerrang! award nominations it's pretty clear they are here to stay.

  Just for the record
The weather today is slightly sarcastic with a good chance of
A. Indifference and b. disinterest in what the critics say  

A reference to Diary by Chuck Palahniuk. A motif running throughout the book is the first-person narrator's use of the phrase "the weather today is..." to describe her situation and emotions ("Just for the record, the weather today is partly suspicious with chances of betrayal", etc.).

Panic! isn't going to let the cynics' opinions control them. They couldn't care less as to what they think, and are going to keep doing what they want to do.