Partying and Protesting with tUnE-yArDs' »Water Fountain«

Abstract

This chapter explores the dual nature of the song »Water Fountain« as both a party song and a socio-political statement. The authors analyze its structural dissonance, aggressive mixing, and evocative lyrics, which initially suggest a celebratory mood but also hint at deeper social critiques. The song’s refrain, »No water in the water fountain,« is interpreted as addressing water shortages and critiquing capitalist systems. The authors argue that these contrasting interpretations—party and protest—are intertwined and shaped by listener experience, emphasizing how musical elements can foster complex and multifaceted readings. The study highlights the ongoing dialogue between interpretations, rejecting a singular »truth.«