Spellbound
KITCHEN 1 - Siouxsie and the Banshees Lyrics

The opening lines of "Spellbound" by Siouxsie and the Banshees, "From the cradle bars comes a beckoning voice, it sends you spinning, you have no choice," suggest an ominous sense of being trapped, torn between two worlds or under a spell. It might refer to the voice of authority or tradition, which is calling from the cradle bars or crib, and beckoning one to conform or follow a certain path, but also sending him/her spinning, causing moral or emotional confusion. The imagery of laughter cracking through the walls and sending the listener spinning creates an eerie, surrealistic atmosphere that defies logic or rationale. The refrain, "Following the footsteps of a rag doll dance, we are entranced, spellbound," reinforces the idea of being hypnotized or mesmerized by something beyond one's control, something that makes one dance like a puppet without being aware of it.

The second verse continues the theme of being haunted or pursued by forces beyond comprehension. The suggestion that one should take the elders by the legs and throw them down the stairs if they forget to say their prayers may seem odd, but it echoes a child's impulse to rebel against authority, and to challenge the established order of things. The stanza "When you think your toys have gone berserk, it's an illusion you cannot shirk," adds to the sense of things being out of control, and reinforces the idea that one is powerless against the forces that are playing with him/her. The repeated use of "spellbound" at the end of each verse and chorus creates a sense of repetition, reinforcing the cycle of being trapped and entranced.

Overall, "Spellbound" is a song that explores the idea of being under a trance, caught between two worlds or realities, and struggling to break free from the forces that keep one spinning. The lyrics evoke a sense of unease and disorientation, as well as a desire to rebel against tradition and authority.