Like a lot of the other comments are saying, I think this mainly about voyeurism. If the song was about his girlfriend, then why would he use the word spy. If you are a spy it means you shouldn't be caught, that is kind of the whole point, and if you are a voyeur, the whole point of the pleasure you get from it, is the fact that the other people don't know you are watching them. See a bit of a connection there?
This unrest beats out my breath
Disconnected thoughts jangle in a mess
This unrest crucifies my chest
Without anesthetic it cuts
Through tumorous flesh
This unrest beats out my breath
This unrest beats in my chest
Discordant limbs watch unimpressed
At the aimless walk, the mindless talk
The pictures leap out and dance for me
They laugh at me
As your bitterness closes in
You're feeling very old again
Ah, just to sleep, without these thoughts
But the angels shout, resurrecting doubts
Ah, we meet again, my trusty friend
Demanding new favors for old time's sake
Inside this captive frame
Oh, come and claim your liberty
Metal and flesh will fuse today
These visions jump out and blast my days
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away
Disconnected thoughts jangle in a mess
This unrest crucifies my chest
Without anesthetic it cuts
Through tumorous flesh
This unrest beats out my breath
This unrest beats in my chest
Discordant limbs watch unimpressed
At the aimless walk, the mindless talk
The pictures leap out and dance for me
They laugh at me
As your bitterness closes in
You're feeling very old again
Ah, just to sleep, without these thoughts
But the angels shout, resurrecting doubts
Ah, we meet again, my trusty friend
Demanding new favors for old time's sake
Inside this captive frame
Oh, come and claim your liberty
Metal and flesh will fuse today
These visions jump out and blast my days
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away, clean away, clean away
Clean away
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve.
The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future.
Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere"
The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
SIOUXSIE: "The title is self explanatory. Not this unrest within society, but within oneself." Source: NME 28/09/85.