Minimal
Chris Lowe & Neil Tennant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
light, sublime, subliminal
The void is clean
a cell but not for a criminal
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
Draw a line
more is less is minimal
Form, earth, life
Decide something less decisional
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
An empty box
An open space
A single thought
leaves a trace
An empty room
An open space
A single thought
leaves a trace
Light and shade
Time and space
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
Minimal Minimal
The lyrics of Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant's song "Minimal" seem to be discussing the concept of minimalism. The opening lines "White on white, light, sublime, subliminal" describe the idea of simplicity and minimal décor, where a space is clean and sometimes empty. The lyrics "the void is clean, a cell but not for a criminal" reinforces this idea of empty spaces being beautiful and comfortable, not always a sign of something missing or negative. Additionally, the lyrics "more is less is minimal" suggests that we do not need more to have less, less can be minimal and beautiful too.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of time and space, as well as the idea of a lack of decisions. The lyrics "time and space" highlight the idea that minimalist spaces are open and airy, giving one a sense of freedom and flexibility. Similarly, the line "decide something less decisional" suggests that too many decisions can be overwhelming, and that simplicity can be a form of decision-making in itself.
Overall, the lyrics celebrate the concept of minimalism and how it can create a sense of peace and joy in individuals' lives. The repetition of "M. I. N. I. M. A. L. Minimal Minimal" throughout the song further emphasizes the message of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
White on white
The color white upon a white backdrop
light, sublime, subliminal
The light is delicate, elevated, and subtle
The void is clean
The emptiness is pure and flawless
a cell but not for a criminal
A restricted space not intended for a convict
Light and shade
Brightness and darkness
Time and space
Chronology and dimensions
M. I. N. I. M. A. L.
The word minimal spelled out as an acronym
Minimal Minimal
Repetition of the title
Draw a line
Create a boundary
more is less is minimal
Extra is unnecessary, having less is adequate
Form, earth, life
Structure, planet, existence
Decide something less decisional
Choose something not as definitive
An empty box
A box with no contents
An open space
A vast, unoccupied area
A single thought
One idea
leaves a trace
Produces a mark or evidence
An empty room
A space with no furnishings
Minimal Minimal
Repetition of the title
Contributed by Jordan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.