Billie Trix is the name of a leading female character in the musical "Close… Read Full Bio ↴Billie Trix is the name of a leading female character in the musical "Closer To Heaven", written by Pet Shop Boys and playwright Jonathan Harvey. The acctress who played Billie Trix during most shows of "Closer To Heaven" is Frances Barber. She's (of course) also responsible for the vocals on all tracks credited to Billie Trix.

Friendly Fire
Billie Trix Lyrics

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An inspirational tirade against me How to explain my life?
Boys to the left of me girls to the right of me neither husband nor wife
Though the days are filled with pain there is no one who'll explain why
I'm coming under friendly fire
Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll but there's nothing, really nothing, to say

Why I endure under force majeure slander without shame or tact
I who studied make-up, mime and Buddha who taught two generations to react

About me the critics lied I ignored them and survived
In spite of coming under friendly fire shot in the fatal
Cause of rock-and-roll I have nothing, really nothing, to deny
When I look back my eyes are filled with tears
Danger to mascara, applause to my peers
When fame sustained me and arenas acclaimed me
I floated through life in a cloud of love and insanity and pagan profanity
Before a worshiping crowd Now my status is ill-defined

As an icon I'm inclined to be coming under friendly fire
Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll

But whatever dull or clever points they've scored
I have never, oh no never, been ignored

Overall Meaning

In "Friendly Fire," Billie Trix speaks out about the challenges she has faced as a gender non-conforming rock star. The lyrics suggest that Billie has faced discrimination and misunderstanding from both the media and her own fans. She describes feeling caught between two binary worlds, neither fully accepted nor understood by either.

She talks about how despite her success, she hasn't been immune to criticism or hateful comments, which she describes as "friendly fire." Billie seems to be saying that even though she's been successful, there is still so much she doesn't understand about her place in the world. She describes feeling like an oddity, "studying make-up, mime, and Buddha," and not fitting into any particular mold.

The chorus suggests that, despite these challenges, Billie is resolute in her determination to keep going. She has endured this "friendly fire" and won't be silenced by it. She emphasizes that nothing anyone says can silence her, and even when people have pointed out her flaws, she has never been ignored or forgotten.

Overall, "Friendly Fire" is a message of resilience and perseverance in the face of criticism and adversity. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in or belong in a particular world, and is a reminder to keep going and persevere through hard times.

Line by Line Meaning

An inspirational tirade against me
I am facing criticism and negativity which seems to inspire people to promote hate towards me.

Boys to the left of me girls to the right of me neither husband nor wife
I am surrounded by people of all genders and orientations, but I haven't found anyone to settle down with.

Though the days are filled with pain there is no one who'll explain why
I experience a lot of pain and discomfort, but I have no idea why it's happening.

I'm coming under friendly fire
I am being attacked and judged by people who claim to be my friends or supporters.

Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll but there's nothing, really nothing, to say
I am facing the consequences of pursuing a career in rock-and-roll, but there is no justification or explanation for the criticism and hate thrown my way.

Why I endure under force majeure slander without shame or tact
I am forced to endure false and hurtful accusations without any remorse or consideration from my accusers.

I who studied make-up, mime and Buddha who taught two generations to react
I am an artist who has dedicated myself to mastering the skills of make-up, mime, and Buddhism, and through my work, I have inspired and influenced two generations of people to take action.

About me the critics lied I ignored them and survived
The critics have spread false rumors and lies about me. But, I chose to ignore them and continue my work, which helped me to survive their attacks.

In spite of coming under friendly fire shot in the fatal Cause of rock-and-roll I have nothing, really nothing, to deny
Although I am being attacked by the people who claim to be my friends and supporters, and I am facing the consequences of pursuing a career in rock-and-roll, I have nothing to deny or feel ashamed of.

When I look back my eyes are filled with tears
Reflecting on my past experiences and struggles makes me emotional and nostalgic.

Danger to mascara, applause to my peers
My life as a performer involves both risks and rewards, including the danger of ruining my makeup and the applause and adoration of my peers.

When fame sustained me and arenas acclaimed me
My fame and success as an artist were sustained by my fans and the arenas where I performed.

I floated through life in a cloud of love and insanity and pagan profanity
Despite experiencing love and success, my life as an artist has also involved moments of absurdity, craziness, and vulgarity that have contributed to my eccentricity.

Before a worshiping crowd Now my status is ill-defined
I used to perform in front of fans who worshiped me, but now I am uncertain of my status as an artist and a public figure.

As an icon I'm inclined to be coming under friendly fire Shot in the fatal cause of rock-and-roll
As an icon in the rock-and-roll industry, I am more likely to be targeted by the criticism and hate thrown my way by the people claiming to be my friends and supporters.

But whatever dull or clever points they've scored I have never, oh no never, been ignored
Regardless of the type of criticism and hate thrown my way by my accusers, I have never been ignored by my fans and supporters who appreciate my work and dedication.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER LOWE, NEIL TENNANT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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