Postcard
Comsat Angels Lyrics


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There is a house in the picture
Inside the house is a room
Once round it is a short circuit

When times are hard I think about you
Four walls, one has a window
One has a door, which I go out of
I just thought you'd like to know

I don't think you're listening
I think I'll tell you again

This clock shows only mythical hours
These books show only fictional days
One system is only as good as another

I don't think you're listening




I think I'll tell you again
I just thought you'd like to know

Overall Meaning

The Comsat Angels' song "Postcard" is a melancholic and introspective track that has gained admiration for its ambiguous lyrics that can be interpreted in different ways. The song starts with the singer contemplating a picture of a house, and the room inside this house, which serves as a metaphor for someone's psyche or emotions. The circular movement around the room suggests that the person is caught in a repetitive cycle or thought pattern, unable to break free. The use of the word "circuit" reinforces this idea and adds a hint of frustration at the futility of the situation.


The lyrics then shift towards the singer thinking about someone else, possibly a former lover or friend. The description of the room's walls and exit suggests a feeling of being trapped or confined, but also highlights the freedom that comes with leaving through the door. The phrase "I just thought you'd like to know" implies that the singer is reaching out to this person, possibly seeking comfort or closure. However, the repeated line "I don't think you're listening" suggests that the message might not be getting through or that the intended recipient is no longer present.


The second half of the song introduces more abstract imagery, with the clock and books representing time passing and stories being told, but also offering a sense of escapism. The line "one system is only as good as another" suggests that all systems, whether physical or emotional, are flawed and ultimately offer limited solutions. The final repetition of "I just thought you'd like to know" feels more resigned or defeated than before, adding to the overall sense of longing and unfulfilled communication.


Overall, "Postcard" can be seen as a meditation on the difficulties of human connection and the cyclical nature of emotional states. The lyrics are open to interpretation but offer a sense of poignant reflection and yearning.


Line by Line Meaning

There is a house in the picture
This picture shows a house


Inside the house is a room
There is a room inside the house


Once round it is a short circuit
The room is small enough to be a short circuit if you walk around it


When times are hard I think about you
I think of you when I'm struggling


Four walls, one has a window
The room has four walls and one of them has a window


One has a door, which I go out of
One wall has a door, which I use to go out of the room


I just thought you'd like to know
I wanted to let you know


I don't think you're listening
I don't think you're paying attention


This clock shows only mythical hours
The clock doesn't show real hours, it's just mythical


These books show only fictional days
The books don't depict real days, they're fictional


One system is only as good as another
All systems are equally good or bad


I think I'll tell you again
I feel like I should repeat myself


I just thought you'd like to know
I wanted to let you know




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN EDGARD THOMAS ANDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@YooTuba

One of the greatest songs of its era. Glad I was young then and not now.

@TheEman440

The most underrated album I ever had the pleasure of listening to. Im so upset I missed this in my youth- so happy to find it now. Nothing takes me back to my youth like this...thank u

@chrisbarlow2131

Just love the arrangements - the stabbing keyboards - the ominous bass synth - the wonderfully restrained yet titanic drums - the driven bass - the haunting lyrics melded to that so soulful Fellows voice - and one of the best non guitar breaks to be heard anywhere. SUCH a good band. Loved them.

@TheArrow1987

that part from 2:20 on is really breathtaking and I completely feel the atmosphere there.

@MrRadius03

This is really good stuff

@kenissjefferson9593

The Interpol of 30 years ago

@jonolonie125

This song caused me to form my band 'stuffed husbands ' everything I wrote was probably pivoted on this song the desperation isolation but what I love more than anything about this band is the iciness of the sound and their lyrics

@petegilgan8909

The Comsat Angels are one of the greatest bands ever to come out of the UK. Easily superior to U2 and the like, it is a sad state of affairs that a band this great is all but forgotten these days. Fantastic atmospheric music with a beautiful melodic touch.

@chrisbarlow2131

I saw them support U2 in Bham in the early 80s. Awesome. So much more integrity than U2. The greatest unknown band ever.

@kathycastillo505

Such a great build up

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