Portishead's debut album, Dummy (1994), fused hip hop production with an atmospheric, cinematic style reminiscent of spy film soundtracks. The album was met with commercial and critical acclaim, quickly becoming a landmark album in the emerging trip hop genre. However, the band disliked being associated with the term, and would consciously step away from that sound on later releases. Two other studio albums have been issued: Portishead in 1997 and Third in 2008, both of which received similar acclaim. In 1998, the band released a concert album, Roseland NYC Live.
Elysium
Portishead Lyrics
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And no one decided that I'd feel this way
If you felt as I
Would you betray yourself?
But you can't deny how I feel
And you can't decide for me
And no one's to blame, it's just hypocrisy
It's written in your eyes
And how I despise myself
But you can't deny how I feel
And you can't decide for me
It's your heart that's so wrong
Mistaken, you'll never know
Your feathered sacred self
But you can't deny how I feel
And you can't decide for me
And you can't deny how I feel
And why should you decide for me?
The lyrics of Portishead's song "Elysium" are quite poignant and open to interpretation. It speaks to the internal struggle of being true to oneself and not conforming to the expectations of those around us. The first verse states that no one can dictate what the truth should be or how we should feel. It is a personal and individual experience that cannot be decided by others. The singer questions if someone felt the same way as they did, would they betray themselves and their true feelings just to fit in and conform to society's standards. The second verse continues with the idea that fear of the unknown is just hypocrisy on our part. We cannot blame others or ourselves for things beyond our control.
The chorus expresses the singer's self-loathing and internal conflict with their own desires and feelings. They despise themselves for wanting something that may not be socially acceptable or for not conforming to societal norms. The bridge of the song speaks to the wrongness of denying one's true self and rejecting their innermost desires. It is an acknowledgment that denying oneself the truth is ultimately a mistake and can lead to a lifelong struggle.
Overall, Portishead's "Elysium" is an introspective and melancholy song that speaks to the importance of being true to oneself and not denying the truth of one's feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
No one has said what the truth should be
There is no consensus on what is true.
And no one decided that I'd feel this way
No one is responsible for my emotions.
If you felt as I
Would you betray yourself
If you were in my situation, would you act against your own interests.
But, you can't deny how I feel
And you can't decide for me
My emotions are valid and cannot be ignored, and I am the one who ultimately makes decisions for myself.
No one should fear what they cannot see
There is no need to be afraid of the unknown.
And no ones to blame it's just hypocrisy
No one is at fault, it is simply contradictory behavior.
It's written in your eyes
And how I despise myself
I can see the judgment in your eyes, and it makes me hate myself.
And it's your heart
That's so wrong
Mistaken
You'll never know
Your feathered sacred self
You are misguided and will never understand your true self.
And you can't deny how I feel
And you can't decide for me
And you can't deny how I feel
And why should you decide for me
Reiteration that my feelings are valid, and I am the one who makes decisions for myself. There is no reason for anyone else to have control over my life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Adrian Francis Utley, Beth Gibbons, Geoffrey Paul Barrow
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind