I'm Deranged
David Bowie (1990s Rare Tracks) Lyrics

The lyrics of "I'm Deranged" by David Bowie/Nine Inch Nails seem to be a stream-of-consciousness rambling that is difficult to comprehend. However, the mood this creates is in keeping with the song's title. Perhaps it reflects a state of mind that is both unhinged and cyclically lucid. The repeated lines of "Cruise me blond, cruise me babe" might refer to the singer's desire to surrender control of their life to someone else. By asking to be taken on a cruise, they're suggesting a preference for being onboard a ship, a metaphorical representation of submitting to destiny. The line "Big deal Salaam, be real deranged Salaam" doesn't have a clear meaning, but it could be interpreted as a challenge to the listener to live a life that is authentic and emotionally intense. The use of the Arabic word "salaam" (meaning peace be with you) suggests a connection to mysticism and the search for deeper understanding.

The chorus of "I'm Deranged" is the most memorable part of the song, and it is repeated twice. The phrase "the rain sets in" evokes a sense of melancholy and foreboding, and it is followed by "it's the angel-man," which is an eerie description of someone who is a combination of good and evil. That line could refer to the singer's own psychological state, as they might feel conflicted about their own impulses. The final line of the chorus, "I'm deranged," seems to be the song's refrain, and the fact that it is repeated multiple times reinforces the idea that the singer is in a state of confusion and emotional turbulence. Overall, "I'm Deranged" is a complex song that explores themes of surrender, mental illness, and the struggle to find meaning in life.