From Six
Released September 1998
Released in an edited mix as a single (Ten EP) in the UK and Japan in October 1998.
Drummer Andie Rathbone receives his only writing credit on a Mansun song for "Negative".
Negative
Mansun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't be bothered getting up today
My future's looking positive
No one even picked on me today
So you tested negative
Panic in your bedsit goes away
You convert to scientology
To feel part of something once again
I look downwards
I look downwards
Feeling negative, looking negative
I see downwards
I see downwards
I look downwards
I see negative, feeling negative
Looking downwards
Have you ever told a lie to hide a lie
Shame on you, you've compromised again
'Cos things are closing in on you
Not so far away as they may seem
Have you ever told a lie to hide a lie
Shame on you, you've compromised again
And things are closing in on you
Not so far away as they may seem
Someone knocked me in the street
Someone looked at me twice
Now I'm negative
Someone nudged me in the street
Someone poked me in the eye
Now I'm negative
The opening verse of Mansun's song "Negative" starts off with a contradiction that sets the tone for the entire song. Lead singer Paul Draper sings, "Stop, you're looking miserable," possibly addressing himself or someone else who is feeling down. He then goes on to say, "Can't be bothered getting up today," indicating a lack of motivation or enthusiasm. However, he immediately follows this up with, "My future's looking positive," highlighting the change in his outlook. He then proceeds to explain the reason for the positivity with the line, "No one even picked on me today," indicating a victory in some personal battle. The song progresses with the theme of transformation and rebirth as the singer converts to Scientology and adopts a new way of belonging to something, highlighting the human desire for purpose and identity. The repetition of the line "I look downwards, I see negative" emphasises the feeling of being weighed down by negativity, while the repeated "Have you ever told a lie to hide a lie, shame on you. You've compromised again" can be interpreted as a comment on the negative effects of deceit and self-deception.
The lyrics for the song Negative were written by Paul Draper himself, who was inspired to write it after experiencing a serious illness that put him in the hospital for a month. The experience helped him to appreciate the fragility and transience of human existence, and this is reflected in the song's lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop, you're looking miserable
Trying to cheer someone up who seems sad or depressed
Can't be bothered getting up today
Feeling lazy or unmotivated, not wanting to be productive
My future's looking positive
Feeling optimistic about what's to come, hopeful for the future
No one even picked on me today
Feeling lucky or grateful that no one caused trouble or bullied them
So you tested negative
Getting a clean bill of health, test results were negative
Panic in your bedsit goes away
Relief from anxiety or stress relating to living conditions
You convert to scientology
Searching for acceptance or belonging by joining a new group or religion
To feel part of something once again
Desiring to belong and feel connected to a community or group
I look downwards
Feeling down or sad, physically looking downward in a reflective manner
Feeling negative, looking negative
Experiencing negative emotions, having a pessimistic outlook on life
I see downwards
Continuing to feel down or sad, continuing to look downward
I see negative, feeling negative
Continuing to feel negative emotions, having a negative perspective on life
Someone knocked me in the street
An incident occurred where someone physically bumped into the singer
Someone looked at me twice
Feeling self-conscious or judged by someone's gaze or attention
Now I'm negative
Feeling worse off than before, feeling more down or sad
Someone nudged me in the street
Another physical incident occurred where the artist was pushed or shoved
Someone poked me in the eye
An unexpected and painful action caused harm to the artist
Now I'm negative
Feeling worse off than before, feeling more down or sad
Have you ever told a lie to hide a lie
Questioning someone's honesty and integrity, doubting the truthfulness of their words
Shame on you, you've compromised again
Feeling disappointment or disapproval for someone who has betrayed trust or made a mistake
'Cos things are closing in on you
Feeling pressure or stress as problems or obstacles mount
Not so far away as they may seem
Realizing that problems or obstacles are closer than expected, feeling overwhelmed
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW RATHBONE, DOMINIC CHAD, PAUL EDWARD DRAPER, STEPHEN KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@simonharding3109
The album six is one of the greatest albums of all time.mainly written off the cuff and under pressure on tour after the success of their first album!
@jimwhite9190
A master piece. The production is mind blowing.
Everyone goes on about OK computer being the groundbreaking album of that period, but Six is another level!
@stannats2637
FACT!
@shamanahaboolist
Both albums are awesome.
@jamesthecat
@@jimwhite9190 Funny you should say that, because there was some cross-pollination there. Radiohead were recording OK computer next door to Mansun when they were recording their first album (attack of the grey lantern, of course) and even at that early stage their stitching together of songs inspired Radiohead to do the same with 'paranoid android'. Thom even thanked them for this in an awards speech.
@kriscarmelo
It’s a masterpiece that was overlooked. But those who know about it enjoys some great music.
@yanaga19961009
1stアルバムが大好きで、よく聴いてました。
2ndアルバムは、難解な曲が多い中
最初に好きになったのがNEGATIVEです。
控えめに言って、最高✨
@davidjeffrey1
The album Six is a modern Prog Rock classic.
@therespectedlex9794
New Romantics meets rock from these Cestrians.
@JonJonJonJonJonJonJonJon
Twas