Like That
Public Image Ltd Lyrics
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Talk talk talk
Talk talk talk
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Bad boy you should not do that
You penny pincher from rags to riches
And it's a pity so inexpertly
You mixed your roses with cabbages
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Like that, she does not like that
Like that, she did not like that
Like that, she does not like that
Like that, she did not like that
Just like a woman and every man
In human nature these snakes and ladders
The fairground noises are messages
Life would be dull and boring
Without the choices of passages
Just like those dancing dervish
We spin in circles, we strike up poses
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Just like a woman, and every man
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Combine those dreams and wishes
On standard clauses and marriages
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Just like a woman, just like a woman, and every man
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
Like that, she did not like that
She did not like that she never will
The lyrics to Public Image Ltd's song "Like That" explore the complexities and contradictions of human relationships. The repeated phrase "Talk talk talk" suggests a lack of meaningful communication, which is echoed later in the line "life would be dull and boring without the choices of passages." The song seems to be making a commentary on the typical patterns of dating and marriage, where individuals may have divergent dreams and wishes that clash with societal norms and expectations.
The refrain "Like that, she did not like that, she never will" emphasizes the futility of trying to change deeply ingrained patterns of behavior or preferences. The lines "Just like a woman, and every man" imply that these struggles are not gender-specific, but a part of human nature that affects everyone. The metaphors of "snakes and ladders" and "fairground noises" suggest the unpredictability and randomness of life, and how we can only control our choices to a certain extent.
Overall, "Like That" is a commentary on the difficulty of finding meaningful connections in a world filled with constant chatter and distractions. It is a reminder that relationships require more than just surface-level interactions and the fulfillment of societal norms, but meaningful communication and mutual respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk talk talk
The constant chatter and noise of society.
Like that, she did not like that
A specific action or behavior caused offense and displeasure in the past, and will continue to do so.
She did not like that she never will
The offense that was taken is so substantial that it will be remembered and rejected indefinitely.
Just like a woman
This type of reaction is associated with typical behavior of women.
Bad boy you should not do that
A male figure acted in a way that was inappropriate or unacceptable.
You penny pincher from rags to riches
The male figure being critiqued came from a poor background and has become wealthy, but is greedy and obsessed with saving money.
And it's a pity so inexpertly
It is unfortunate that this male figure did not handle the situation appropriately or skillfully.
You mixed your roses with cabbages
The male figure made a mistake by associating things that do not belong together, like mixing elegant roses with ordinary cabbages.
Like that, she does not like that
The same or similar action or behavior will continue to offend and displease.
Just like a woman and every man
Reactions like this are not limited to just one gender.
In human nature these snakes and ladders
Life is full of ups and downs, or chances to either succeed or fail.
The fairground noises are messages
Just like the sounds and excitement of a carnival, life can be noisy and overwhelming but can also be interpreted as guiding signs.
Life would be dull and boring
Without choices and risks, life would lack excitement and purpose.
Without the choices of passages
The freedom to make decisions and choose a path in life is what makes it interesting and fulfilling.
Just like those dancing dervish
These two lines compare the experience of life to the performance of a Sufi ritual, symbolizing the idea that life can be spiritual and transformative.
We spin in circles, we strike up poses
Just like dancers in a performance, people move through life doing different things and appearing in different ways.
Combine those dreams and wishes
The idea to join together aspirations and hopes.
On standard clauses and marriages
This marriage and commitment follows traditional rules and agreements.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRASER T. SMITH, JANEE BENNETT, INA WROLDSEN, FLEUR EAST, BEN EPSTEIN, ASH SOAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind