Machu Picchu
The Strokes · Angles [2011]
Putting your body on the line, for less
Didn't you know there was a choice?
It's never yours but someone else's voice
Selling your body through the street
Selling your girlfriends to the night, for cheap
Wearing a jacket made of meat
Sealing a letter made from horses' feet
And now you've heard that
Waves turn to grey
Life in the shade
A violent cloud
And that's the USA
Platinum's on the rise
Playboys in the sky
I'm just tryin' to find
A mountain I can climb
Putting your patience to the test
Putting your body on the line, for less
Didn't you know there was a choice?
It's never yours but someone else's voice
And now you've seen that
Blondes turn to grey
Life in the shade
A violent crime
And that's the US
Porn on the rise
Psychos in disguise
I'm just tryin' to find
A mountain I can climb
Darlin'
Ain't nobody gonna tell us
They're gonna be oh so jealous
We're gonna be oh so silent
They're gonna be stoned in silence
I didn't wanna ask you, baby
I didn't wanna have to ask anybody, baby
Is anybody asking maybe?
Can anyone even hear me/this shit?
Why are you waiting beyond the door?
Life turns to dust
And rain turns to rust
Gossip is the truth
And money pays for the lies we trust
Your love is a surprise
Homeless saints are in disguise
I'm just tryin' to find
A nice place for you and I
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu stands as a standout track from The Strokes' 2011 album, Angles. Released during a period of experimentation for the New York rock band, the song showcases their signature blend of garage rock and indie sensibilities. Julian Casablancas delivers a characteristically detached vocal performance over a driving rhythm section that defines the group's energetic sound. The recording reflects the band's continued evolution as they navigated the post-Is This It era, maintaining their status as influential figures in modern alternative rock. While Angles received mixed reactions upon release, this track remains a notable song in their discography, highlighting their ability to craft catchy, guitar-driven anthems. The song captures the essence of the band's mid-career output, balancing melodic hooks with the raw intensity that has long characterized their musical identity.