A humorous folk-rock / funny pop song that takes a sharp but playful look at vanity, status-seeking, and the absurd sides of social scenes built on appearances.
Artist: Aton O’Cat
Release date: January 7, 2022
Genre: Folk Rock / Funny Pop
Theme: Vanity, social status, appearances, superficial behavior
Music : Joseph J Nota
Lyrics: Joseph J Nota
Mood: Ironical, playful, observant, satirical
For fans of: Satirical songwriting, humorous folk-rock, social observation through music
“See and Be Seen” was deliberately written as the opposite of Aton O’Cat’s previous, more serious song “Patrick.” Instead of emotional depth, this track embraces irony and humor, highlighting the sometimes absurd behavior found in certain social environments.
Inspired by real-life observations, the song strings together exaggerated yet recognizable scenes: charity galas that feel more like fashion shows, cosmetic obsession disguised as self-care, friendships fueled by champagne rather than connection, and pets treated as accessories instead of living beings.
The tone remains playful throughout. The song laughs with recognition, not with cruelty.
At its core, “See and Be Seen” is about performative living. The lyrics explore:
Social validation through visibility
Charity as status rather than compassion
Cosmetic enhancement driven by conformity
Shallow friendships based on competition
Treating animals as accessories
The repeated line “You belong to that scene” functions as both observation and mirror. The song doesn’t moralize aggressively; instead, it exposes how easily people can lose awareness while chasing admiration.
Musically, the song supports its satirical message:
Folk-rock foundation, light and accessible
Upbeat rhythm, reinforcing humor
Catchy, repetitive chorus, mimicking social cycles
Clear vocal delivery, emphasizing storytelling
Minimal production, keeping the focus on lyrics
The music stays cheerful, even when the observations are sharp, enhancing the ironic contrast.
Music and lyrics : Joseph J Nota ©
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
You are into charity
It will buy your mind free
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
That is good for your mind
But you don’t know you are blind
For the crazy things that you do
When you come to a venue
Like the Unicef Gala
Where they have this formula
To wear an exquisite dress
Of which you were so obsessed
So the thing you had to wear
Needed an own cab you didn’t care
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
You’re into plastic surgery
You feel more like beauty
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
That is good for your well being
In a way that you’re not seeing
Exaggeration of mutations
That start as slight innovations
Now you carry big balloons
They’re as natural as cartoons
And you really think your lips
Are to be worshiped
Don’t forget your face too
Now there are millions of you
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
You are into bragging
It gives your ego a blessing
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
You want to be the fellow
But the thing you don’t know
Is that the guys you call your friends
On those nights that never end
When you squirt with champagne
You will only gain
Admiration for that moment
Because the next opponent
Has more to show
Your friendships are just hollow
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
You are into lapdogs
That look more like groundhogs
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
But the thing you are missing
When you start the creature kissing
Is that real animal love
Goes way above
An animal to be displayed
I think your show is misplaced
If you want real affection
I’ve got this proposition
Go to a shelter of animals
Then you love real optimal
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
See and be seen
You belong to that scene
“See and Be Seen” humorously critiques vanity and status-driven social scenes.
Yes, it was written with a wink and a playful tone.
They are versions of real-life scenes the artist witnessed.
A mix of folk rock and funny pop.
No, it critiques charity used as social display rather than compassion.
The repetition mirrors repetitive social behavior and routines.
It is observational rather than aggressive.
That chasing appearance often replaces genuine connection.
With humor, recognition, and a bit of self-awareness.
Amusement mixed with reflection.