The Man in the Iron Mask
Billy Bragg Lyrics
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Who was that who so quickly drove away
The things you've done and the places you've been
When I open the door for you
I will not let them in
As long as you come back to me
I will never ask
For you I will be
The man in the iron mask
You said you love me and it broke my heart
I was always your prisoner right from the start
The nights you spend without me
This house is like a dungeon
And you only return to torture me more
You must have your reasons
I will no ask
For you I will be
The man in the iron mask
In Billy Bragg's song The Man in the Iron Mask, the singer speaks to his lover about the pains and hurts of their relationship. He tells her that despite her actions that hurt him, he will always be there waiting for her. The first verse talks about the lover's possible infidelity and how, despite his suspicions, he will not ask her about it. He will be a silent observer watching everything going on in her life but will not allow the things she has done to cause problems between them. He will be a good, dependable partner but also keep his guard up.
The chorus of the song expresses the singer's loyalty to his lover. He will never ask her to explain herself or her actions, he will always be there waiting, and will be a good companion/protector for her, just like the man in the iron mask.
The second verse speaks of the pain he experiences without her, the loneliness and sorrow that the separation brings. He has been a captive to her love, and even when she is with him, he feels like he is in a dungeon. The singer acknowledges that there must be some reason for the lover's actions and accepts that he might never know. Despite the hurt he experiences, the singer is resolute in his love and commitment to her, pledging again to be the man in the iron mask who will never let her go.
Line by Line Meaning
When he drops you off, I will not say
I won't question who brought you home
Who was that who so quickly drove away
I won't ask about the person who left so fast
The things you've done and the places you've been
I won't pry into your past or your experiences
When I open the door for you
Every time you return
I will not let them in
I won't let your actions and experiences hurt our relationship
As long as you come back to me
I won't hold you accountable for anything
I will never ask
I'll accept you as you are
For you I will be
I'll do whatever it takes to keep you
The man in the iron mask
I'll be your captive, if that's what you need
You said you love me and it broke my heart
Your love for me is painful because I feel trapped
I was always your prisoner right from the start
I've been in bondage since the beginning of our relationship
The nights you spend without me
Each night you're gone
This house is like a dungeon
This home feels like a prison
And you only return to torture me more
And when you come back, it brings even more pain
You must have your reasons
I understand that you have your own motivations
I will not ask
I won't put you on the spot
For you I will be
I'll be patient and supportive
The man in the iron mask
I'll endure the pain for you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Billy Bragg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kath caffrey
I'd forgotten how beautiful this song is...
David Sweeney
Love these early BB tracks.. No gimmicky video, just music music and lyrics from a modern day poet. My younger brother introduced me to Mr Bragg by lending me the first 2 albums to listen. Sadly he passed away 2years ago. RIP Mark, love Dave x
David Greene
Funny how special songs come back to me, sometimes after years, 😘😘🌹
Peter Hall
This was the first song I learned to play on guitar. How I miss the person who taught me.
wakokid2
desperately sad and moving love song. takes devotion of someone to another level.
Chris Edwards
Just fantastic.Cheers.
Chris Hanson
Lived it , terrible time , don't fall in love with the wrong one
Welsh Sasquatch
I hope you're ok, and things are better now
Chris Hanson
@Welsh Sasquatch yah , time does heal . Things get better . Thank u for yr kind consideration
Chris Hanson
It's difficult , be stronger.