Song meaning of How to Hang a Warhol by Little Joy

The song "How to Hang a Warhol" by Little Joy explores themes of artistic aspirations, personal expression, and the acceptance of one's own creative journey. The lyrics depict a conversation between the artist and their parents, highlighting their desire for recognition and success in the art world.

The artist expresses their ambition to be acknowledged in a New York gallery, creating artwork that is both brilliant and plain. However, they admit to not knowing how to "hang a Warhol," suggesting a lack of knowledge or understanding of the traditional path to success. Despite this, they continue to sketch simple and true images that resemble the person they are known to be. The artist remains indifferent to the opinions of others, emphasizing their commitment to their own artistic process.

Similarly, the artist discusses their desire to write a symphony and create deeply evocative songs. They express their intention to evoke strong emotional responses, chilling the marrow in the listeners' bones. However, until they can gain entry into Carnegie Hall, the artist continues to write songs that are simple and dumb, representing their unique style and individuality. They acknowledge that these songs may not be universally loved but embrace them as their own.

Throughout the song, a bridge reveals that the artist finds solace and inspiration in their love for someone. Playing the guitar becomes a form of connection with them, and all other songs have an underlying theme of their love.

The message conveyed by the lyrics is one of staying true to oneself and finding joy in the creative process. It emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself authentically and pursuing artistic endeavors without concern for external validation or conventional measures of success. The artist finds fulfillment in their own unique style and cherishes the connection their creative expression holds with their personal experiences and emotions. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to embrace their own artistic journeys and to create for the sake of personal satisfaction rather than external recognition.