This is an analysis of the meaning behind the cover, title and more. Since MANIA by Fall Out Boy was released today, I want to take a closer look at these neglected elements, before diving into the songs.
Color Scheme
The album cover incorporates "mania-purple", that has been seen in previously released music videos. Thus it ties every element of itself nicely into the same color scheme.
Purple as a color is associated with many different qualities:
+ ion
+ ambition
+ mystery
+ creativity
+ depth of feeling
+ authenticity
+ negative qualities such as suppression, inferiority and introversion
It is however also associated with luxury and royalty (historically) and mourning or pride (religious).
Other symbolism on the cover
What I see in this is essentially a lit up hallway, guiding you towards a wave. A wave is an unstoppable force of nature, that sweeps away everything in its path. You either ride it and succeed, or fall and let it roll over you. This might represent that at the end of somebody's long way to reach their dream, they will be presented with an ultimate challenge to determine if they really have what it takes and are able to succeed.
The title
If we look at the meaning of the title, "mania" is seen as something negative. ing "Young And Menace" especially, we now might consider the second definition to be true.
If we define "mania" as an excessive enthusiasm or desire, that might even be considered an obsession, the use of the color purple to portray ion and ambition, fits perfectly.
Conclusion
MANIA seems to be portraying the emotional state of someone who is still very young, or at least young at heart. There is a burning ambition inside the person, they are ionate about many things, but cannot manage to portray that on the outside. Their actions are labeled crazy, not well thought through.
As a "menace" they may be considered a harm to themselves, as they are dealing with emotions, that others do not seem to understand and rather judge. They live as introverts and outsiders, because they are essentially not understood. The young person takes risks in the name of living fast and tries to enjoy the moment. However, others try to restrain them and put them in a box, they cannot seem to escape. They also deal with feelings of longing and rejection, as the songs themselves reveal.
Thanks for reading! I will be posting more MANIA themed blogs over the next few days, so stay tuned!
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