Theatre
Etta Marcus Lyrics
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Come alive
I play dead tonight, I′ll remember each line
Go again, I won't mind
I would fake it every time
I could stop pretending, quit my dreaming and
Turn on the lights
Every word I made up for you
I′m not flesh, I'm not blood
I am plastic, you are gold
I want to be loved
I want to be loved
Like right out of a movie where I sweep you up
I want to be loved
I want to be loved
Like right out of a movie where I am the star
Yes, I'll be the star
I′ll put on a show and watch it with you
Touch my thigh
I could blush, I′m so shy
Rest your head on my side, we could stay in my mind
We could be what we like
I want to be loved
I want to be loved
Like right out of a movie where I sweep you up
I want to be loved
I want to be loved
Call me baby
When you forget my name
I'm just glad that you came
Call me baby
Let me die on the stage
Let the orchestra play
Let the orchestra play
In Etta Marcus's song "Theatre," the lyrics portray a narrative of someone who is yearning for love and attention, but feels like they have to put on a show or play a character in order to be noticed. The opening lines suggest that the singer is rehearsing a theatrical performance specifically for the person they desire. They are willing to go to great lengths and even pretend to be something they're not just to gain their attention. The repeated line "I want to be loved" highlights the underlying desire for affection and validation.
The lyrics further illustrate the singer's longing to be loved in a grand and cinematic way, comparing it to being the star of a movie. They describe wanting to be swept up in a romantic storyline, where they are the central focus and their love interest is captivated by them. This desire for a love that feels larger than life and picture-perfect is emphasized throughout the song.
Towards the end of the lyrics, there is a shift in tone. The singer asks to be called "baby" even if their name is forgotten, implying a willingness to be objectified or even discarded as long as they are still desired. They express a willingness to "die on the stage" and let the orchestra play, suggesting a willingness to sacrifice themselves for love or to put on a dramatic performance to maintain the attention of their love interest.
Line by Line Meaning
I rehearse a work of theatre for you
I practice and prepare a performance of a play specifically for you
Come alive
Become animated or lively
I play dead tonight, I'll remember each line
I pretend to be lifeless tonight, but I will remember every single line of the performance
Go again, I won't mind
Repeat the performance, I won't have any objections
I would fake it every time
I would pretend and deceive every single time
I could stop pretending, quit my dreaming and
I could cease pretending, abandon my fantasies and dreams, and
Turn on the lights
Illuminate the surroundings
I am holding onto
I am grasping tightly
Every word I made up for you
Every fabricated word I created specifically for you
I'm not flesh, I'm not blood
I am not a physical being, I am not made of flesh and blood
I am plastic, you are gold
I am artificial or fake, while you are precious and valuable
I want to be loved
I desire to experience love and affection
Like right out of a movie where I sweep you up
Similar to a romantic movie where I captivate and enchant you
I want to be loved
I want to be cherished and adored
I want to be loved
I yearn for love and affection
Like right out of a movie where I am the star
Similar to a film where I am the main protagonist or celebrity
Yes, I'll be the star
Certainly, I will take on the role of the main star
I'll put on a show and watch it with you
I will stage a performance and observe it together with you
Touch my thigh
Physically contact my upper leg
I could blush, I'm so shy
I might turn red in the face due to embarrassment, as I am extremely bashful
Rest your head on my side, we could stay in my mind
Lay your head on my torso, and we can remain in the realm of my thoughts
We could be what we like
We can become whatever we desire
Call me baby
Address me with affection using the term 'baby'
When you forget my name
In the event that you no longer remember my name
I'm just glad that you came
I am simply pleased that you have arrived
Call me baby
Refer to me lovingly as 'baby'
Let me die on the stage
Allow me to perish or meet my demise while performing on the stage
Let the orchestra play
Permit the musical ensemble to perform
Let the orchestra play
Allow the orchestra to continue playing
Writer(s): Matthew Jonathan Gordon Maltese, Etta Marcus, Joshua James Henry Scarbrow
Contributed by Jack J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Marianna Rothenbach
song is beyond underrated, this deserves millions of views. your vocals and lyrics and melody, everything, it is all perfection. thank you for this masterpiece.
waybove
This needs to have so much more views, this absolutely beautiful
E B
Etta I don't know how to express my adoration for this, maybe automatically my favourite songs of yours (tied with nosebleed and confessional) . PLEASE KEEP THIS SOUND IT'S INCREDIBLE
WarDog
Heard this for the first time last week on Radio 1. Apparently she was kicked out of school for not enough studying and music making……keep up the great work, love this track ❤
Charlie-mae Young
This is so amazing, honestly so incredible this will be on repeat in my head till the end of time for sure.
H Scott
Etta Marcus...I am always looking out for new artists...your song had captured my heart straight away! I've just bought tickets...my husband and I will be there in Cardiff in November! Much love and all the best ! Layers and layers of music I love it so much!amazing indie pop ! I could go on and on....thank you!
Ociana Means
the way I ascend every time I hear your voice-
esme W
you’ve done it again girl, absolutely phenomenal !!!!!
Charvee Dua
How do you continue to break the mold and create the most incredible music….?!?!?!
tonyma
Etta this song is incredible, you have no idea how much i love it 😭 i’m loving this new sound it suits you so damn good