They Are in Love
Love's Perilous Dance: Unraveling the Intriguing Story in David Byrne's 'They Are in Love'
Lyrics
She put the scar on the side of his face
She caused a physical mark on his face as a result of his absence for three days.
When he disappeared for three days
He was absent for a significant period, possibly causing distress or concern.
And they say that they are in love
Despite their actions, they claim to be in love.
He took her cocaine when she was asleep
He used her cocaine while she was asleep.
And friends say he gave half away
He shared a portion of the cocaine with friends.
And they say that they are in love
They assert their love despite these actions.
Run away, run away
Advice or urging to escape from the situation.
Run away before it's too late
Encouragement to leave before things worsen.
There is danger but they will not see
Despite danger, they refuse to acknowledge it.
If they're blind, then it's blind that they'd rather be.
Even if they are aware, they prefer to remain ignorant.
This town's destroyed more than one friend of mine
Implication that the town has negatively impacted friends.
Funny that they never leave
Despite the negative impact, people don't leave the town.
They say that they are in love
They claim love despite differing opinions about it.
Some say it's rotten, some say it's wrong
Varied opinions exist about the nature of their love.
Some say it's hard to believe
Some find their love hard to believe or accept.
And some say that they are in love
Despite criticism, they assert their love.
Move away, move away
Suggestion to distance oneself from the situation.
Move away before it's too late
Advice to leave before it becomes too problematic.
And the lion sleeps with the lamb
Metaphorical reference to an unlikely situation where opposites coexist peacefully.
Only love lets me forget who I really am
Love allows one to forget their true self.
This land is small and it's cold and it's damp
Description of the place being unwelcoming yet preferable for some reason.
But there's no place that I'd rather be
Despite its negative aspects, the speaker prefers staying there because of love.
I know that I am in love
Personal acknowledgment of being in love.
Ethnic divisions, screaming demands
Reference to societal conflicts mirroring their own relationship.
A little bit like you and me
Comparison of their relationship to the societal conflicts.
I guess that we are in love
An assumption or realization that they are indeed in love.
Stay away, stay away
Strong advice to stay away from a situation to avoid becoming like the speaker.
Stay away you might end up like me
Warning about potential negative outcomes from involvement.
It's the pain that keeps us alive
Suffering contributes to one's vitality or existence.
But that beauty is all that we need to survive
Despite pain, beauty is essential for survival.
That damn beauty is all that we need to survive
Beauty, despite its challenges, is crucial for survival.
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