The album Buzzkunst was released in 2001 on Cooking Vinyl, along with one single/video, 'Til The Stars In His Eyes Are Dead. Both vocals and lyrics remain reminiscent of Magazine and Luxuria (both bands Devoto has been in since the Buzzcocks), yet the music itself is experimental electronica, distinctly from the line of work Shelley since had been following.
Self-Destruction
Shelleydevoto Lyrics
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You didn't ask to be born
you never ever asked to be born
well, don't look at me
we didn't ask for you to be born either
so take along a little make-up
for all of your mistakes
a last look round
pull the lever
Self-destruction - we're enthralled
self-destruction - cos you've been called
self-destruction - a minor skirmish
self-destruction - I wonder when my turn is?
Just do it
I can't hear you screaming
so I guess I'll be okay
there's a lot to worry
when you're in the money
oh my manicure
oh my pedicure
my peace of mind
my vomit
ours is the land of the milk and the honey
we'd better bomb it
Self-destruction
self-destruction
It's fantastic!
Self-destruction - so yes or no?
self-destruction - c'mon now, give it a go
self-destruction - it's yours to keep
self-destruction - c'mon on now, ya deep creep
Self-destruction - c'mon now, ya deep creep
self- destruction
It's a great idea!
Self destruction - and we're enthralled
it's a minor skirmish
self destruction - cos you've been called
boy I wonder when my turn is?
The lyrics of Shelleydevoto's song "Self-Destruction" explore the theme of self-destructive behaviour, whether it is individual or collective. The song is an ironic reflection on human nature, highlighting the absurdity of actions that lead to self-harm. The song is also a critique of consumerism, which encourages individuals to focus on superficial and materialistic things that ultimately contribute to their own demise.
The lyrics begin by stating that "we're talking of self-destruction" and that no one asked to be born. The singer claims that "we didn't ask for you to be born either," implying that the cycle of self-destructive behavior is perpetuated by societal and cultural norms. The song urges individuals to "take along a little make-up for all of your mistakes," highlighting the need for individuals to cover up their flaws and imperfections rather than addressing them. The song concludes with the line "self-destruction - c'mon now, ya deep creep," implying that the cycle of self-destructive behavior is self-perpetuating.
Line by Line Meaning
We're talking of self-destruction
We are discussing the concept of destroying oneself
You didn't ask to be born
You did not request to be brought into existence
you never ever asked to be born
You truly never asked to be born
well, don't look at me
Do not put the blame on me
we didn't ask for you to be born either
We also did not request your birth
so take along a little make-up
Use some makeup to cover up your flaws
for all of your mistakes
To hide all of your errors
then take a bow
Make your final farewell
a last look round
One final chance to look around
pull the lever
Commit suicide
Self-destruction - we're enthralled
We are captivated by the idea of self-destruction
self-destruction - cos you've been called
Self-destruction is what they are asking of you
self-destruction - a minor skirmish
Self-destruction is like a small battle
self-destruction - I wonder when my turn is?
I am curious about when I will be asked to self-destruct
Just do it
Go ahead and kill yourself
I can't hear you screaming
Your cries for help go unheard
so I guess I'll be okay
I will be fine without you
there's a lot to worry
There are many concerns
when you're in the money
When you are wealthy
oh my manicure
My perfectly groomed nails
oh my pedicure
My perfectly groomed toes
my peace of mind
My mental calmness
my vomit
My throw up
ours is the land of the milk and the honey
Our lives are luxurious and blessed
we'd better bomb it
We should destroy this lifestyle
Self-destruction
The concept of self-destruction
Self-destruction - so yes or no?
Will you partake in self-destruction or not?
self-destruction - c'mon now, give it a go
Go ahead and try self-destruction
self-destruction - it's yours to keep
Self-destruction is yours to hold onto
self-destruction - c'mon on now, ya deep creep
Deep down, you want to self-destruct
Self-destruction - c'mon now, ya deep creep
You really want to self-destruct
self- destruction
Self-destruction
It's a great idea!
Self-destruction is a splendid notion
Self destruction - and we're enthralled
We are captivated by self-destruction
it's a minor skirmish
It is a small battle
cos you've been called
You have been requested to self-destruct
boy I wonder when my turn is?
I am curious about when I will be asked to self-destruct
Contributed by William Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.