Humming
Portishead Lyrics

The lyrics to Portishead’s song “Humming” deal with themes of vulnerability, desperation, uncertainty, and the fear of the unknown. The opening line, “Closer, no hesitation, give me all that you have,” refers to a plea for intimacy, for someone to trust and open themselves up entirely to another person. But the following lines reveal a sense of guilt or shame: “And it’s been so long, that I can’t explain / And it’s been so wrong, right now, so wrong.” It’s unclear what the singer is referring to - perhaps a past mistake that they feel they can’t make amends for in the present.

The chorus takes on a darker tone as the singer’s thoughts spiral out of control: “Naked, my thoughts are creeping, too late, the show has begun.” The imagery of being “naked” suggests a sense of raw vulnerability that the singer is experiencing - they feel exposed and defenseless in their own mind. The fear of being judged, or worse, being ignored, is palpable.

The second verse shifts to questions of morality and meaning: “Is it all as it seems, so unresolved, so unredeemed / If I remain, how will I know?” The singer is grappling with fundamental existential questions - what is the purpose of life, and how can one find meaning in a world that often seems meaningless? The final lines of the song reflect both the singer’s desperation and their uncertainty: “And it’s been so long, that I can’t be sure / And it’s been so wrong, right now, so wrong.”

Overall, the lyrics to “Humming” are a powerful exploration of the human psyche - its complexities, its contradictions, and its vulnerability. Portishead manages to capture a sense of fear and uncertainty that is both intense and relatable to listeners.