Pace Is The Trick
Interpol Lyrics


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You can't hold it too tight
These matters of security
You don't have to be wound so tight
Smoking on the balcony
But it's that sleaze in the park
"You women, you have no self-control,"
The angels remark outside
You were known for insatiable means; I don't know a thing

I've seen love, and I followed the speeding of starlight
I've seen love, and I followed the speeding of star swept night
Yeah, pace is the trick

And to all the destruction in men
Well, I see you as you take your pride, my lioness
Your defenses seem wise, I cannot press
And detentions are demised, my lioness
Can't you hurt it some, think I hurt it

I've seen love, and I followed the speeding of starlight
I've seen love, and I followed the speeding of star swept night

And now I select you, slow down I let you
See how I stun, see how I stun
And now I select you, slow down I let you
See how I stun, see how I stun

And to all the destruction in men
And to all the corruption in my hand

And now I select you, slow down I let you
See how I stun, see how I stun
And now I select you, slow down I let you
See how I stun, see how I stun
And now I select you, slow down I let you
See how I stun, see how I stun
And now I select you, slow down I let you
I always follow the speeding of star swept night

You don't hold a candle




You don't hold a candle
You don't hold a candle

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Pace Is the Trick" by Interpol are open to interpretation, but it seems to be about the difficulties of being in a relationship, the pain of betrayal, and the fleeting nature of love. The opening lines suggest that the singer is aware of the dangers of holding too tightly to security and that smoking on the balcony is a way to cope with the stress. The reference to sleaze in the park and the angels' remark about women not having self-control could suggest a misogynistic culture that perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The line "You were known for insatiable means; I don't know a thing" could be directed at a specific person or a group, suggesting that the singer is either ignorant of their past or intentionally avoiding talking about it.


The chorus, "I've seen love, and I followed the speeding of starlight," suggests that the singer has experienced love and has been swept away by its powerful current. The line "pace is the trick" could refer to the delicate balance of maintaining a healthy relationship, where one must not move too fast or too slow, but at just the right pace. The second verse seems to be directed at a woman, who is referred to as a lioness, characterized by her strength and wisdom. The singer seems to be admiring her defenses and not wanting to pressure her, suggesting a respect for boundaries, but also a longing to connect on a deeper level.


Overall, the song seems to be a contemplation of the complexities of relationships, the pain of betrayal, and the fleeting nature of love. The lyrics are ambiguous enough to allow for many different interpretations, but the perspective seems to be one of reflection and introspection.


Line by Line Meaning

You can't hold it too tight
Don't be too controlling about this matter of security.


These matters of security
Issues that require attention to safety and protection.


You don't have to be wound so tight
No need to be overly stressed or anxious about things.


Smoking on the balcony
Indulging in a moment of relaxation and pleasure.


But it's that sleaze in the park
Referring to the unsavory or scandalous behavior that is happening in the area.


"You women, you have no self-control,"
A remark made by some onlookers, criticizing women for their seeming lack of restraint.


The angels remark outside
Observations on the occurrences happening outside.


You were known for insatiable means; I don't know a thing
Referring to the subject's reputation for being extremely demanding or needing a lot of attention.


I've seen love, and I followed the speeding of starlight
Recalling the experience of being in love and the feeling of being swept away by its intensity.


Yeah, pace is the trick
Suggesting that a slower, more measured approach is better when it comes to matters of love and intimacy.


And to all the destruction in men
Acknowledging the negative and harmful behavior that some men exhibit.


Well, I see you as you take your pride, my lioness
Referring to a strong, powerful woman who is unafraid to assert herself.


Your defenses seem wise, I cannot press
Commenting on the subject's ability to protect herself and the challenge that presents for the singer.


And detentions are demised, my lioness
The obstacles and limitations that were once in place have been overcome.


Can't you hurt it some, think I hurt it
Admitting to causing pain or harm, and seeking to repair the situation.


And now I select you, slow down I let you
Making a choice to move forward with this person, but taking a more moderate approach.


See how I stun, see how I stun
Presenting oneself in a way that is impressive or awe-inspiring to the other person.


And to all the corruption in my hand
Admitting to one's own flaws and involvement in unethical or immoral behavior.


You don't hold a candle
You don't compare to the person in question, you're not as good or impressive.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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