Straits of Malacca
Whips, Wishes, and Schoolyard Games: Exploring The Monochrome Set's Straits of Malacca
Lyrics
There is a house in Penang
Refers to a house in Penang, possibly a significant or familiar place.
So well known to the old gang
Suggests the house is well-known to a group of people referred to as the "old gang."
Brace yourselves, take up the slack
An instruction to prepare for something challenging or unexpected.
In our mouths, the rubber bits
Alludes to the use of rubber bits in mouths, possibly metaphorical for enduring discomfort.
Then exposed whereon one sits
Describes the exposure of something uncomfortable when sitting down.
First the swish and then the crack
Describes a sequence of sensations, possibly related to an uncomfortable experience.
I've a predilection, a liking for the pain ]
Expresses a preference or fondness for pain.
Of a taste of the cat and a touch of cane ]
Mentions specific preferences for certain forms of physical punishment.
Oh, play up, play up and play the game ] (Chorus)
Encouragement to engage in a particular activity, possibly with a sense of irony or humor.
Had the preference since school
States a preference developed since school, suggesting a long-standing inclination.
Simply had to break the rules
Indicates a necessity to break rules, possibly related to the mentioned preferences.
Short sharp shocks, ah, swish, swish, swish
Describes a specific kind of punishment with onomatopoeic words like "swish."
Shirt tails up, long shorts down
Describes a situation with physical exposure, possibly related to the mentioned preferences.
In a sleazy part of town
Places the described scenario in a less reputable part of town.
Broke a tooth? - then make a wish
Suggests making a wish in response to a broken tooth, possibly in a darkly humorous context.
(Chorus)
Much it costs, this little treat
Questions the cost of a particular treat, possibly alluding to the described preferences.
It's the high point of the week
Highlights the treat as a significant or enjoyable event in the week.
One more drink - anaesthetised
Suggests using alcohol as a form of anesthesia before the described activity.
It's a very private show
Describes the activity as a private show, emphasizing its personal and intimate nature.
Over the table we now go
Describes a physical action over a table, possibly related to the preferences mentioned earlier.
Perk your bottoms and roll your eyes
Describes a physical reaction, possibly related to the discomfort of the activity.
(Chorus)
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