Placebo
Foreign Tongues Lyrics

The song “Placebo” by Foreign Tongues is a raw and emotional account of the internal struggle faced by someone who is at odds with their own body. The lyrics illustrate their feelings of loneliness, mistakes, and the burden of being forced into a physical form they despise. The opening lines, “Slip into the dark that awaits, I’ve felt alone, I’ve made mistakes” convey a sense of foreboding and despair, as if they are slipping into a void of loneliness and guilt. The next line “Born into a body you only grew to hate” further emphasizes the struggle of being trapped in a body that does not fit with their true self.

The repeated lines “I know you’re tired, but I’m wide awake” reveal the disconnect they feel from those around them who may not understand their inner turmoil. The use of “wide awake” could also suggest a constant state of alertness or anxiety. The lines “Strike a match to see flames, blow it out to erase me” reinforce the theme of self-destruction and the desire to disappear. The chorus ends with the line “And I still wear your golden noose” which highlights the idea that society’s expectations and constraints have imposed this burden on them.

The second verse repeats the same pattern but adds the line “This habit’s old news” suggesting a sense of resignation and perhaps acceptance. However, the theme of self-erasure is still present with the repeated line “Blow it out to erase me”. Overall, “Placebo” is a haunting and powerful song that invites the listener to empathize with the internal struggles of those who feel trapped in a body that is not their own.