I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare
I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare

Exhibition is the name
Voyeurism is the game
Stereoscopic is the show
Viewing time makes it grow

Grow, grow, grow, grow

I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare
I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare

My façade is just a fake
Shock, horror, no escape
Sensationalism for the feed
Caricatures are what you breed

Breed, breed, breed, breed

I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare
I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare

I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare
I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare

Anti-art was the start
Establishments like a laugh
Yes, we're very entertaining
Overtones can be betraying

'Traying, 'traying, 'traying, 'traying

I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare
I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare

I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare
I am a poseur and I don't care
I like to make people stare

Overall Meaning

"I Am A Poseur" by X-Ray Spex is a punk anthem that revels in the act of posing for the sake of arousing attention. The artist calls herself a poseur and declares her indifference to what people think about her. She boldly astounds onlookers and feeds on their stares-- all out of their own free will. The lyrics emphasize the flaws of the viewer as much as the poseur's act, as they are willing to come and watch the show. The artist is not fazed by it and enjoys it in the same way that they enjoy their own posing. The song is a commentary on the modern media spectacle and its tendencies.

The first verse is declarative and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The phrase "I am a poseur and I don't care" is repeated throughout the song, asserting that the artist's intention is to shock and be seen. The next verse talks about the exhibition and voyeurism and how the show grows, metaphorically representing how society revels in the spectacle of fame and scandal. The following verse, "My façade is just a fake/ Shock, horror, no escape/ Sensationalism for the feed/ Caricatures are what you breed," speaks to the media's creation of caricatures, amplifying the flaws of individuals under a spotlight in order to sell viewership. The final verse criticizes the institutions of capitalism and the art industry and how they value entertainment over authenticity.

Line by Line Meaning

I am a poseur and I don't care
I intentionally present as someone I'm not and I am unconcerned about any negative attention or judgment I may receive for it.

I like to make people stare
I enjoy being the center of attention and provoking reactions from others through my appearance and behavior.

Exhibition is the name
My display of myself is intentional and purposeful, meant to be seen and observed.

Voyeurism is the game
I derive pleasure from being observed and admired by others, as well as from observing and admiring myself.

Stereoscopic is the show
My persona and presentation are multidimensional, with multiple layers of meaning and intention.

Viewing time makes it grow
The more attention I receive from others, the more my persona and image evolve and become more elaborate.

My façade is just a fake
The image I present is not a true reflection of who I am, but rather a constructed persona meant to provoke reactions from others.

Shock, horror, no escape
I deliberately aim to shock and provoke, with no desire to conform to societal norms or expectations.

Sensationalism for the feed
My self-presentation is intended to be sensational and attention-grabbing, driven by a desire to be noticed and acknowledged by others.

Caricatures are what you breed
By feeding into and perpetuating a caricature or stereotype of myself, I encourage others to see me solely in this one-dimensional way.

Anti-art was the start
My approach to self-presentation was born out of a rejection of traditional ideas of art and beauty, as well as mainstream culture.

Establishments like a laugh
I intentionally provoke reactions from establishment and mainstream culture, which I see as rigid and unchanging.

Yes, we're very entertaining
I acknowledge that my self-presentation and approach to life is meant to be entertaining and enjoyable for myself and others.

Overtones can be betraying
My persona and presentation may have deeper meaning or intention beyond their superficial shock value, and I may be using them to communicate something more complex or meaningful.

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