Track 8
Public Image Ltd. Lyrics

Analyzing these lyrics, it becomes obvious that Track 8 is a very cynical and sarcastic social commentary. The song's opening line sets the stage: 'A bed in the corner'. It's not clear who is in the bed, but it's likely someone marginalized or forgotten about. The next line is 'The suffering suffragette', which seems to be a reference to the long struggle of women to achieve equal rights, but perhaps also a suggestion that not enough has been won yet.

The rest of the lyrics can be harder to interpret, but often seem like images of exploitation, abuse, or death ("Such an obvious trap / Imagine that... A Butterball turkey / Spread her body / Naked and silly / A bulbous heap"). The blackwall tunnel referred to in the song is a real-life tunnel in London, England that has been the site of numerous accidents throughout its history. "An elephant's grave" is likely a metaphor for the isolation and death felt by many people within society's margins.

Overall, the lyrics suggest a world where people are treated as disposable, where their suffering is ignored or exploited for entertainment. The chorus of "Come and play total commitment / Premenstrual tension" is perhaps the most perplexing, but it seems to be a sarcastic invitation to join in with the world's absurdity and cruelty.