1981
Public Image Ltd Lyrics
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I think I'm brave
Could stay and watch you
(repeat)
You gave me nothing
An early grave
I'm vegetating I want more, more, more
Anywhere
Any place will do
I'm leaving England
We're near the ending
You gave me nothing
No more pretending
I'm looking forward
To our parting in 1981
1981
We're near the ending
I'm just pretending
It's all been said before
I want more, more, more in 1981
1981
1981
You gave me nothing
I want more, more, more
I want everything in 1981
I'm leaving England
We're near the ending
You gave me nothing
No more pretending
1981 (repeat)
I want everything in 1981
1981 (repeat)
I want everything in 1981
The lyrics of Public Image Ltd.'s song 1981 reflect the disillusionment and frustration felt by the working-class youth in England during the Thatcher era. The singer of the song is expressing his desire for something more substantial and fulfilling than what he has been given so far. The repetition of "I want more, more, more" and "I want everything in 1981" highlights his hunger for change and progress, as well as the urgency he feels to achieve it. Despite the boldness and bravery that he may feel, the singer is also acutely aware of how little agency he has over his life, as demonstrated by the line "You gave me nothing."
The line "I'm leaving England" can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. On one hand, the singer may be planning to emigrate to another country in search of better opportunities. On the other hand, he may be rejecting the dominant ideology and culture of England, which he sees as oppressive and limiting. The phrase "We're near the ending" reinforces the idea that a significant change is on the horizon, whether it be the end of the singer's relationship, the end of his time in England, or the end of the Thatcher government.
Overall, the lyrics of 1981 capture the discontent and restlessness of a generation that was struggling to find a place in a hostile environment. Through the use of repetition and vivid imagery, the song conveys a sense of urgency and hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
I could be desperate
I'm not sure what I want and I might do anything to figure it out
I think I'm brave
I believe I have the courage to make a big change
Could stay and watch you
I'm considering standing still and observing, maybe for longer than I should
You gave me nothing
I got nothing from you, and that has made me feel worse
An early grave
I feel like I'm wasting away, and if I don't make a move soon I'll regret it
I'm vegetating I want more, more, more
I'm idle and unfulfilled, and I crave something to give my life direction
I want everything in 1981
I'm nostalgic for a time when things seemed simpler and more achievable
Anywhere
I'm open to going anywhere, literally
Any place will do
I'm not particularly picky about where I end up
I'm leaving England
I've decided to leave my current situation behind and move on
We're near the ending
It feels like the end is near, and I need to make a move before it passes me by
No more pretending
I can't fool myself into thinking things are okay anymore
I'm looking forward
I'm trying to focus on the positive outcomes of my decision, even if it's scary
To our parting in 1981
I'm hopeful that my departure will be a new beginning
I'm just pretending
I'm not being honest with myself about what I really want
It's all been said before
I'm struggling to come up with something truly original, and it's frustrating
I want everything in 1981
I'm still yearning for a bygone era when things seemed more certain
1981
The year that represents my idealized version of the past and future
You gave me nothing
I'm still feeling the effects of all the missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises
I want everything in 1981
I'm still holding onto my nostalgia and hope for the future
Contributed by Eva T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.