King Of The Flies
Fad Gadget Lyrics


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Right from the start I got it wrong
I did the things I shouldn't have done
I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea
Now someone else looks after me
I stole every minute from time's locked doors
Add sold used souls in bargain stores
Without a conscience I was king of the flies
I laid in gutters and told you lies

Yellow light bulb
Light's go out at ten o'clock
Bolted steel door
This time they'll throw the key away
Cold grey floorstone
It feels like home now
Not another sleepless night
How do the flies get in and out

I changed the rules to suit myself
I swapped my heart for something else
Stuck between the devil and an overdose
I played hands tied with the Holy Ghost
Well I made some money on my way down
I dragged my friends into the ground
Get behind me Satan if you want your share
This cell is more than I can bear

Yellow light bulb
Light's go out at ten o'clock
Bolted steel door
This time they'll throw the key away
Cold grey floorstone
It feels like home now




Not another sleepless night
How do the flies get in and out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Fad Gadget's "King Of The Flies" speak about the singer's failures and regrets that have led him to his current state of imprisonment. The song speaks of opportunities lost and the singer's descent into a life of addiction and manipulation. From the beginning, the singer acknowledges his mistakes, noting that he has done things that he shouldn't have. He continues to describe himself as a manipulator, stealing time and souls, lying to those around him, and amassing money through illegal means.


The chorus features the singer in a seemingly hopeless situation, imprisoned with a bolted steel door and a cold grey floor stone. The yellow light bulb is indicative of a lack of hope or optimism, as if the singer is trapped with no way out. However, towards the end of the song, the singer speaks of being stuck between the devil and an overdose, indicating that his current situation is a result of trying to escape his problems through drug use. He also speaks of dragging his friends down with him, further cementing his feelings of regret and failure.


Overall, "King Of The Flies" is a powerful, soulful commentary on the struggles of addiction and the damaging effects of one's actions. It speaks to a sense of hopelessness and despair, while also acknowledging the humanity and complexity of those caught in the throes of addiction.


Line by Line Meaning

Right from the start I got it wrong
I messed up from the beginning


I did the things I shouldn't have done
I made bad choices


I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea
I'm stuck in a difficult situation


Now someone else looks after me
I'm being taken care of by someone else


I stole every minute from time's locked doors
I wasted time and opportunities


Add sold used souls in bargain stores
I made unethical deals for personal gain


Without a conscience I was king of the flies
I was heartless and manipulative


I laid in gutters and told you lies
I deceived and betrayed others


Yellow light bulb
Describing the setting


Light's go out at ten o'clock
Rules and restrictions


Bolted steel door
Feeling trapped


This time they'll throw the key away
Consequences of actions


Cold grey floorstone
Feeling hopeless


It feels like home now
Describing the state of mind


Not another sleepless night
Experiencing emotional distress


How do the flies get in and out
Questioning the situation and state of being


I changed the rules to suit myself
I acted in my own self-interests


I swapped my heart for something else
I lost my moral compass


Stuck between the devil and an overdose
I'm in a dangerous and life-threatening situation


I played hands tied with the Holy Ghost
I struggled with inner demons or guilt


Well I made some money on my way down
I profited from my own downfall


I dragged my friends into the ground
I hurt and betrayed those close to me


Get behind me Satan if you want your share
I'm making a deal with the devil


This cell is more than I can bear
I'm overwhelmed and unable to handle the consequences of my actions




Lyrics © Mute Song Limited
Written by: FRANK TOVEY, NICK CASH, PETER BALMER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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