The Big Exit
Editors Lyrics


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Eyes permeate my skin
An alcoholic din
Fills the room we're in
Girl, I think it's time we leave
Like a thief on Christmas eve
Take and you shall receive

No need to ask
You already know
The way I feel inside

Once we're out amongst the shadows
See how much our love grows
Reflected in shop windows
I love you as my blood flows
As the rain ruins my best clothes
You're a secret only I know

No need to ask
You already know
The way I feel inside
No need to ask
You already know
The way I feel inside

Damn the passing hours
And damn the summer flowers
They took what once was ours
They took what once was ours
They took what once was ours
They took what once was ours
They took what once was ours

No need to ask
You already know
The way I feel inside
No need to ask
You already know
The way I feel inside

(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)

No need to ask (They took what once was ours)
You already know (They took what once was ours)
The way I feel inside (They took what once was ours)
No need to ask (They took what once was ours)
You already know (They took what once was ours)
The way I feel inside (They took what once was ours)




(They took what once was ours)
(They took what once was ours)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Editors' song "The Big Exit" explore the complex emotions that come with leaving a situation or relationship that no longer serves you. The opening lines depict a sense of discomfort and unease as the singer experiences the world around them through their permeable skin, intoxicated by the surrounding noise. The singer urges their partner to leave with them, comparing themselves to a thief on Christmas Eve, taking what they need and leaving the rest behind.


As the two exit into the shadows, the lyrics suggest that their love will flourish in the darkness, reflecting in shop windows. The singer professes their love for their partner, emphasizing the secrecy and exclusivity of their bond. The verse "As the rain ruins my best clothes" echoes the idea that leaving might come at a cost, but one that is worth it.


The chorus repeats twice, "No need to ask, you already know the way I feel inside." Here, the singer reassures their partner that they share the same feelings, and there is no need for any further explanation. In the final verse, the lyrics take a darker turn, condemning the passing hours and summer flowers, which "took what once was ours." This repetition emphasizes a sense of loss or regret, suggesting that leaving is not always easy or straightforward.


Line by Line Meaning

Eyes permeate my skin
I feel exposed and vulnerable with you looking at me like that


An alcoholic din
The sound of alcohol is filling the air, making everything a bit hazy


Fills the room we're in
The noise is gradually getting louder and more invasive


Girl, I think it's time we leave
I'm getting uncomfortable here, and I want us to go somewhere more private


Like a thief on Christmas eve
We need to be sneaky and careful to not get caught


Take and you shall receive
We can have what we want, but there may be consequences


Once we're out amongst the shadows
In the darkness and privacy of shadowy places, we can be ourselves and express our love


See how much our love grows
Being together in secret makes our bond stronger


Reflected in shop windows
Our love is visible in the way we look at each other


I love you as my blood flows
My love for you is strong and steady, like the beating of my heart


As the rain ruins my best clothes
I'm willing to sacrifice my appearance and comfort for our love


You're a secret only I know
Our love is a hidden treasure that I keep close to me


Damn the passing hours
Time is moving too quickly and I wish I could slow it down


And damn the summer flowers
The carefree beauty of summer is a painful reminder of what we can't have


They took what once was ours
Something precious was taken from us, and we're left with the aftermath


No need to ask
My feelings for you are clear and strong


You already know
Our love is deep and intuitive, and we understand each other without words




Contributed by Alice F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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