Mysterons
Portishead Lyrics

The lyrics of Portishead's song "Mysterons" delve into complex themes of power, control, and the human desire for liberation. The opening lines "Inside you're pretending, crowns have been swept aside" suggest a façade, a false exterior that covers an underlying lack of power or control. The use of the word "pretending" implies that this facade is a conscious choice made by the individual, a way of hiding their true state of being.

The following lines "Somewhere, where they can forget" hint at a desire to escape or forget about the powerlessness and lack of control that the individual is experiencing. The repetition of the phrase "Did you really want" in the chorus suggests that the individual may have actively pursued the position they find themselves in, possibly implying a desire for power or control that was ultimately unfulfilling.

The lines "Refuse to surrender, strung out until ripped apart, who dares to condemn?" suggest a stubbornness, a refusal to give in despite being stretched to the breaking point. The questioning tone in "who dares to condemn?" implies a sense of defiance or challenge to any who would judge or criticize the individual's choices.

Overall, the lyrics of "Mysterons" are a powerful exploration of the complexities of power, control, and liberation, expressing a deep sense of longing for something more than the false images of power and control that society often presents.