Reality

"Reality" by Lost Frequencies featuring Janieck Devy is a philosophical and introspective song that explores themes of uncertainty, free will, and the acceptance of life's unpredictable nature. The central message encourages listeners to adopt a 'go with the flow' mentality, making decisions as they come without being paralyzed by the unknown future. The lyrics, "Decisions as I go, to anywhere I flow / Sometimes I believe, at times I'm rational," capture this essence of navigating life through a blend of intuition and logic. The song delves into the duality of human existence and fortune with lines like, "I can fly high, I can go low / Today I got a million, tomorrow, I don't know," acknowledging the transient nature of success and failure. It suggests that true contentment lies not in material possessions but in experiencing the full spectrum of life's emotions—"Make me feel the warm, make me feel the cold." Ultimately, the track posits that fulfillment is found in cherishing the present moment and shared human experiences, as symbolized by the recurring, unifying image of "Dancin' in the moonlight, don't we have it all?". It's a call to find joy and meaning within life's inherent volatility, suggesting love makes you "glow" while hate makes you "cautious."

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of someone navigating the unpredictable currents of life. This individual embraces a philosophy of spontaneity, making decisions as they come without a fixed destination, simply flowing with wherever life takes them. There's a constant interplay between belief and rationality, a recognition of the dual forces that guide their choices. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of life's volatility; one day they might feel on top of the world, soaring high with immense success, and the next, they could be at their lowest point, facing uncertainty. This is encapsulated in the line about having a million today and nothing tomorrow, highlighting the transient nature of fortune and material wealth.

The song then broadens its scope, suggesting a universal experience. It gently critiques the human tendency to claim ownership over things and urges a shift in perspective to see life as a grand performance or a game in which everyone participates, all waiting for their moment. It touches on the duality of human identity—we are both unknown and known, special and yet part of a collective. A core message emerges about the power of emotions: hatred breeds caution and defensiveness, while love allows one to shine and radiate positivity. This leads to a desire to experience the full spectrum of life's sensations, the warmth and the cold, embracing both the highs and the lows as essential parts of the human story.

The recurring chorus becomes a celebratory anthem. It posits that this shared human experience, with all its ups and downs, is a story written on the walls of history. It's a universal call that everyone answers, a cycle of rising and falling. The central, liberating question arises while dancing under the moonlight: in this moment of simple, shared joy, don't we possess everything that truly matters? This act of dancing becomes a powerful symbol of defiance against uncertainty and a celebration of the present. It suggests that true fulfillment, or "having it all," isn't about accumulating wealth or status, but about embracing the ephemeral beauty of the now and finding connection in the shared human condition.

"Reality" was released on May 18, 2015, as a follow-up to Lost Frequencies' massive hit, "Are You with Me". The song was written by the Belgian producer Felix de Laet (Lost Frequencies), Dutch singer-songwriter Janieck van de Polder (Janieck Devy), and Radboud Miedema. The creative process began with Janieck, who wrote the foundational lyrics and melody. His co-writer heard Lost Frequencies' track "Are You with Me" in the car and suggested that Felix de Laet would be the perfect producer to develop the song. Janieck, who came from a band background, was impressed by the instrumental and pop-like vibe in Lost Frequencies' music. After being connected, the collaboration happened very quickly. Janieck sent the demo, and Felix produced the track in just two days, as they shared a similar vision for its direction. Janieck wrote the lyrics based on his personal perspective on life at that moment, reflecting on happiness, love, and sadness in a way that he felt was universally relatable. The duo first performed the song live in Beirut, Lebanon, in front of a crowd of about 15,000-16,000 people, and the overwhelming positive reaction, with the entire crowd singing along, made them realize the song was going to be a major hit.

The rhyme scheme in "Reality" is straightforward and effective, primarily using couplets (AABB) which contributes to its catchy, pop-like quality. For instance, in the verses, "flow" rhymes with "low," and "rational" is paired with "know" (as a slant rhyme). Similarly, "show" rhymes with "glow" and "cold" with "walls". This simple structure makes the lyrics memorable and easy to sing along to. The rhythm of the song is built on a relaxed, mid-tempo 4/4 time signature, characteristic of the tropical house genre. The tempo is steady and danceable but not aggressive, creating a laid-back, feel-good vibe. The lyrical rhythm often employs a conversational and flowing phrasing that syncs perfectly with the instrumental groove. There's a pleasant interplay between the steady musical pulse and the more fluid vocal melody, which enhances the song's overall theme of 'going with the flow'.

"Reality" masterfully blends literary and musical techniques to create its signature uplifting yet thoughtful atmosphere.
Literary Techniques:

• Antithesis: The lyrics frequently use opposites to illustrate life's dualities, such as "I can fly high, I can go low," "unknown and known," "special and a clone," and "Make me feel the warm, make me feel the cold." This highlights the theme of accepting all facets of experience.
• Rhetorical Question: The central hook, "Dancin' in the moonlight, don't we have it all?," is a rhetorical question that prompts listeners to reflect on what true fulfillment means, suggesting it's found in the present moment rather than material wealth.
• Hyperbole: The line "love will make you glow" uses slight exaggeration to emphasize the transformative and positive power of love.

• Genre Fusion: The track is a prime example of the Tropical House genre, characterized by its relaxed tempo, steel drum-like synth plucks, and a prominent, rhythmic bassline. It also incorporates elements of pop-rock, particularly in its melodic structure and vocal delivery.
• Instrumentation: The arrangement features a signature melodic pluck sound that carries the main hook, clean electric guitar chords, and a simple, effective drum pattern. This creates a breezy, sun-soaked atmosphere that contrasts with the introspective lyrics.
• Vocal Delivery: Janieck Devy's vocals are smooth and have a slightly raw, singer-songwriter quality, which adds a layer of sincerity and authenticity to the electronic production.
• Harmonic Language: The song is written in the key of E Major and uses a relatively straightforward chord progression, making it accessible and catchy. This simplicity allows the melody and lyrical message to take center stage.

"Reality" became a major international hit following its release in 2015, solidifying Lost Frequencies' status as a leading figure in the tropical house genre. The song topped the charts in over 10 countries, including Germany, Austria, and Belgium (both Flanders and Wallonia regions). It also performed strongly across Europe, reaching number 2 in France and Switzerland, and charting within the top 10 in Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In the UK, it reached number 29 on the Official Singles Chart, and in the US, it peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The song achieved platinum certification in at least seven countries. Its success demonstrated that Lost Frequencies was not a one-hit-wonder after his breakout single "Are You with Me." "Reality" is featured on his debut album "Less Is More" (2016) and remains one of his most popular tracks, with hundreds of millions of streams worldwide. The song's uplifting and easy-listening vibe made it a staple on radio and in commercials, contributing to the global popularity of tropical house in the mid-2010s.

The lyrics of "Reality" employ several key metaphors to convey its message about life and perspective.

• Flowing and Flying: The phrases "to anywhere I flow" and "I can fly high, I can go low" serve as metaphors for navigating life's journey. Flowing suggests an acceptance of uncertainty and a willingness to follow life's path without resistance, while flying and going low represents the emotional and financial peaks and valleys one experiences.
• Life as a Game/Show: The line "We're all playing the same game" frames life as a shared experience with common rules and struggles, diminishing the weight of individual possessions and status ("Stop claiming what you own and think about the show"). It suggests a collective reality rather than isolated individual ones.
• Dancing in the Moonlight: This recurring image is a powerful symbol of finding joy and unity in the present moment. The moonlight acts as a "unifying force" or a "natural spotlight," under which shared human experience transcends mortality and the anxieties of life's unpredictability. It represents the idea that having "it all" is about appreciating these simple, beautiful moments of connection.

The most significant recurring motif in "Reality" is the lyrical phrase "Decisions as I go, to anywhere I flow." This line is repeated multiple times, acting as the song's central thesis. It encapsulates the core philosophy of embracing spontaneity and accepting life's unpredictable path. Its repetition drills home the message of living in the moment and letting go of the need for a rigid plan. The chorus, containing the lines "we rise and we fall / Dancin' in the moonlight, don't we have it all?", is another crucial recurring element. This refrain serves as the song's emotional and philosophical climax. It juxtaposes the inevitable struggles of life ("we rise and we fall") with the ultimate, simple solution: finding profound joy and fulfillment in the present, shared moment symbolized by dancing. The repetition of this question reinforces it as the key takeaway for the listener. Musically, the main instrumental pluck melody is a powerful and instantly recognizable motif that defines the song's identity.