Gone Fishing
Róisín Murphy Lyrics

An uncommon sense
A unique perception of life and society that differs from the norm

Close to abandonment
Feeling isolated and rejected, close to being abandoned or cast aside

Learning discerning the difference
Acquiring the ability to distinguish between important choices or actions and those that are not

Between do or die
Referring to a critical moment or decision where the options are very limited

Each step taken away from
Moving further away from a difficult or hopeless situation

A place of hopelessness
Referring to a situation where there is no hope or positive outlook

Takes me closer to building another
Brings the singer closer to creating a different or hopeful situation

Kind of family nest
Referring to a new supportive and caring environment, similar to a family

There is no inclusion for those stigmatized
People who are marginalized or judged by society are often excluded and not recognized

Nobody close to us ever recognized
Those who are marginalized often go unnoticed by those who are not experiencing it

Only exclusion for us out there
People who are stigmatized tend to only experience rejection and isolation from society

Only delusional fuss and despair
Society may react to the marginalized in a way that is illogical, resulting in distress and hopelessness

So beautifully dressed
Referring to the singer's unique appearance that is unconventional but aesthetically pleasing

In a moment of realness
Referring to a genuine or authentic expression or emotion

I fear I could be fearless
Pondering the possibility of not having any fears and how that could affect life

Destitute out on my own
Referring to a lack of resources and support, having to fend for oneself

I had to run this far from home
Having to leave home to escape a difficult or painful situation

The children of the damaged and unkind
Referring to others who have experienced emotional trauma and have become hardened or unkind

My new friends are like-minded
Meeting others who share similar experiences and struggles

It's a mechanism of surviving this
Forming new friendships and connections in order to cope and adapt to difficult situations

The children of god, the children LaBeija
Referring to a community of people who share similar experiences and offer support and love

Found a place to express my soul
Discovering a new environment where one can be themselves and express their true feelings

Won't go on living in a shadow's hold
No longer living in the darkness or shadow of a difficult past or situation

So I'm going to the ball to get my prize
Attending a community event as a way of finding joy and reward in life

Expensive things are the cheapest thrill
Referring to the fleeting happiness that comes from material possessions

No such thing as overkill
There is no limit to how one can express themselves, especially in a community that values individuality

Will we live on, the children of LaBeija?
Reflecting on the possibility of the community continuing to exist and thrive

If Paris is burning
Referring to a cultural and political event of social unrest and rebellion

Then just let it burn
Allowing a cultural revolution to occur and play out naturally without interference

The youth are very discerning
Young people are perceptive and aware of social injustices and inequities

Till you tear them apart
However, society may reject and criticize the youth for their views and actions

You can't stop the children
Those who are determined to create change and find a sense of community and belonging cannot be stopped

It's easy to mock
However, society may still ridicule and dismiss those who challenge the status quo

This form of survival instinct
Referring to the way marginalized communities find ways to survive and thrive despite societal pressures

Why should I stop?
Challenging the idea that those who are different should conform and abandon their true selves

My mama's mistake
The artist's family history and dysfunctional past that has influenced their current situation

My father's heartbreak
The emotional trauma and turmoil caused by the singer's father

Young birds who are flightless
Those who are vulnerable and inexperienced in life, without the means to protect themselves

Become birds of paradise
However, one can grow and overcome their hardships by finding new opportunities and experiences

And the practice of realness
The act of being true to oneself and expressing one's true feelings and experiences

Feels so surreal
Referring to the surreal and unreal feeling of finding a supportive and authentic community