As someone who fits Gornik's 'I liked their old stuff' category of 'fan' of Muse, I don't think I've ever really paid much attention to their lyrics! Or thought much over them. It was always more about the instrumental side of it for me.
I think context is important. Their first two albums came against a backdrop of 'stripping back' musical skillboating, seeking consistency and definition of sound and style, being indie, non-mainstream, etc. And on the other hand a bit of high machismo elsewhere. 'Math Rock' guitar style, while it existed previously had not yet been defined or at least not taken the rebirth direction it is associated with today. So for them to come along with almost beethoven-esque instrumental displays and signatures, arguably rooted in romanticism/classical movements, was quite bold and fresh I think. Particularly as it was still rock and electric, and wild, while also being rich and 'intellectual', for lack of a better word. Absolution I think toned that down for a more general rock 'anthem' feel, but it was still there. At some point after that, it either wore off, became a bit tedious, or just couldn't maintain the quality and felt diluted. Can't put my finger on it but I lost interest, and felt I didn't have room for disappointment of whatver new almost yearly (at least that's what it felt like) album they would churn out.
