Meaning: The quote "People are strange. We're all morticians. Hey, what's on TV?" is a thought-provoking and enigmatic statement made by Ric Ocasek, an American musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter for the rock band The Cars. This insightful quote captures the complexity and paradoxical nature of human behavior, while also reflecting Ocasek's distinctive and often enigmatic style of expression.

At first glance, the quote appears to be a commentary on the peculiar and unpredictable nature of people. The opening line, "People are strange," suggests a sense of bewilderment or fascination with the idiosyncrasies and unpredictability of human behavior. It may allude to the enigmatic and often inscrutable ways in which individuals think, act, and interact with one another. Ocasek seems to be acknowledging the inherent complexity and mystery of human nature, hinting at the enigmatic and sometimes baffling aspects of human behavior.

The second part of the quote, "We're all morticians," introduces a striking analogy that invites further contemplation. The term "morticians" typically refers to professionals who are involved in the preparation and burial of the deceased. This unexpected comparison between people and morticians may suggest a metaphorical interpretation. It could be interpreted as a reflection on the ways in which individuals metaphorically "bury" or conceal certain aspects of themselves, their emotions, or their experiences. Ocasek may be drawing attention to the idea that people often hide their true selves or inner thoughts, creating a metaphorical parallel between the work of morticians and the way individuals may conceal or bury certain aspects of their identity or experiences.

The concluding line, "Hey, what's on TV?" adds an intriguing and somewhat cryptic element to the quote. This abrupt shift in focus from the introspective musings on human nature to a casual inquiry about television programming adds a layer of unpredictability and juxtaposition. It may be interpreted as a playful or ironic commentary on the tendency of people to shift their attention from profound or existential matters to more mundane or trivial concerns. Ocasek's juxtaposition of deep introspection with a seemingly trivial question about television programming creates an unexpected contrast and invites interpretation.

In the context of Ocasek's broader body of work as a musician and lyricist, this quote reflects his penchant for crafting thought-provoking and enigmatic expressions that invite listeners to contemplate deeper meanings. Throughout his career, Ocasek demonstrated a talent for infusing his lyrics with poetic imagery and cryptic symbolism, often leaving room for interpretation and introspection.

In conclusion, Ric Ocasek's quote "People are strange. We're all morticians. Hey, what's on TV?" offers a captivating and enigmatic reflection on the complexity of human nature and the enigmatic ways in which individuals navigate their inner worlds. Through its thought-provoking analogy and unexpected shift in focus, the quote encapsulates Ocasek's distinctive style of expression and invites contemplation on the multifaceted nature of human behavior.