Positive Tension
Bloc Party Lyrics
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When you tut and you moan
And you squeal and you squelch
He said you're just as boring as everyone else
Nothing ever happens
Things replace things
Days replaces days
Things replace things
She said I'm going to use my teeth and my claws
She said I'm going to use my teeth and my claws
She said I'm going to use my teeth and my breasts
I'm gonna make it happen
She said
Run run run run run run
And you cannot run or ever, ever escape
You cannot run or ever hide it away
Something glorious is about to happen
The reckoning
They go you're just as boring as everyone else
When you tut and you moan
And you squeal and you squelch
They go you're just as boring as everyone else
Stuck past timing
The fear and the yearning
The fear and the consumption
The fear and the yearning
It's gonna to eat you alive
They go
They go
They say
They go
They say
They go
Why'd you have to get so hysterical
Success, success, success is over
Why'd you have to get
So fucking useless
Play it cool boy
Play it cool
Positive Tension by Bloc Party is a song that explores the monotony and boredom of everyday life. The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer is being criticised for being like everyone else- boring and nothing ever seems to happen. The repetition of the same line emphasizes this idea of a mundane existence being faced by the singer.
The second verse shifts to a female perspective, who states that she is going to use her claws and teeth to change things. This metaphorical language suggests that she is not afraid to be different and to stand out. The repetition of the line 'She said' emphasizes her determination to make a change. The song then shifts back to the chorus, with a sense of urgency as the singer is called upon to run and escape from the monotony of life. The line "Something glorious is about to happen, the reckoning" suggests that change is coming.
The song ends with the repetition of the line "They go" which continues to emphasize the idea of conformity and trying to fit in with societal norms. The final line "Play it cool boy, Play it cool" suggests that even though the singer wants to break free, they are still being held back by the pressures of society.
Line by Line Meaning
He said you're just as boring as everyone else
The singer thinks that the person they are talking to is boring
When you tut and you moan
The singer thinks that the person they are talking to complains too much
And you squeal and you squelch
The singer thinks that the person they are talking to is annoying
Nothing ever happens
The artist thinks that life is dull and uneventful
Things replace things
Everything changes, and one thing is replaced by another
Days replaces days
Time keeps moving forward, and each day is replaced by the next
She said I'm going to use my teeth and my claws
The woman is determined to succeed and will use any means necessary to achieve her goals
She said I'm going to use my teeth and my breasts
The woman is confident in her own abilities, and she will use her feminine wiles to get what she wants
I'm gonna make it happen
The woman is determined to succeed, and she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals
Run run run run run run
The person is being urged to run and escape from something
And you cannot run or ever, ever escape
No matter how hard you try, you can't escape your fate
You cannot run or ever hide it away
You can't run from your problems or ignore them
Something glorious is about to happen
Something amazing and wonderful is going to occur
The reckoning
There will be a reckoning or a time when people will have to face the truth
Stuck past timing
The time has passed, and it's too late to change things
The fear and the yearning
The emotions of fear and longing are powerful and hard to ignore
The fear and the consumption
The emotion of fear can consume a person and take control of their life
It's gonna to eat you alive
If you can't overcome your fears, they will consume you and ruin your life
Why'd you have to get so hysterical
The singer is asking why the person is getting so upset or emotional
Success, success, success is over
The artist believes that times have changed and that success is no longer possible
Why'd you have to get
So fucking useless
The artist is angry with the person because they are being useless and not doing anything productive
Play it cool boy
The artist is advising the person to stay calm and not get too excited or emotional
Play it cool
Stay calm and collected in order to get ahead in life
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Russell Lissack, Gordon Moakes, Kele Okereke, Matt Tong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind