Bumba
Perfect Sense Lyrics


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Adrian Belew
Miscellaneous
Three Of A Perfect Pair
She is susceptible
He is impossible
They have their cross to share
Three of a perfect pair
He has his contradicting views
She has her cyclothymic moods
They make a study in despair
Three of a perfect pair

One, one too many
Schizophrenic tendencies
Keeps it complicated
Keeps it aggravated




And full of this hopelessness
Oh, what a perfect mess

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Bumba" by Perfect Sense, a song from Adrian Belew's album "Three of a Perfect Pair," depict a complex relationship between two individuals who are different yet intertwined. The first lines, "She is susceptible, he is impossible," suggest that the woman is easily influenced or vulnerable, while the man is unyielding or difficult. However, they both share a burden or challenge together ("They have their cross to share").


The next lines delve into their contrasting perspectives and emotional states. The man holds contradictory opinions, while the woman experiences cyclothymic moods, a form of bipolar disorder characterized by emotional ups and downs. Their relationship becomes a study in despair as they navigate these differences together ("They make a study in despair, three of a perfect pair").


The chorus emphasizes the complexity and instability of their situation. The line "One, one too many, schizophrenic tendencies" suggests that their relationship is strained and marked by erratic behavior or conflicting voices. The constant complications and frustrations make the situation even more difficult and hopeless.


Overall, the lyrics of "Bumba" provide a glimpse into the intricacies and difficulties faced by this couple, highlighting their contrasting personalities, emotional states, and the challenges they share. It captures the tumultuous nature of their relationship and the sense of hopelessness that permeates their lives.


Line by Line Meaning

She is susceptible
She is easily influenced or affected by emotions or external factors.


He is impossible
He is extremely difficult or challenging to deal with.


They have their cross to share
They both have burdens or challenges to face and support each other through.


He has his contradicting views
He holds opinions or beliefs that contradict or oppose each other.


She has her cyclothymic moods
She experiences mood swings characterized by shifts between highs and lows.


They make a study in despair
Their relationship or dynamic serves as an example or observation of hopelessness and sadness.


One, one too many
There is an excess or surplus of something, potentially causing problems or complications.


Schizophrenic tendencies
Traits or behaviors associated with schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality.


Keeps it complicated
Maintains a situation or relationship that is intricate, convoluted, or difficult to understand or navigate.


Keeps it aggravated
Continues to worsen or intensify the already challenging circumstances.


And full of this hopelessness
And filled with a deep sense of despair, lacking optimism or positive expectation.


Oh, what a perfect mess
Oh, what an ideal or flawless disaster, emphasizing the irony or sarcasm in the situation.




Writer(s): Martin Petersson, Martin Radoslaw Halinowski

Contributed by Adeline J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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