Paranoid
Soft Cell Lyrics


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Finished with my woman
'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
People think I'm insane
Because I am frowning all the time

All day long I think of things
But nothing seems to satisfy
Think I'll lose my mind
If I don't find something to pacify

Can you help me occupy my brain?
Oh yeah

I need someone to show me
The things in life that I can't find
I can't see the things that make true happiness
I must be blind

Make a joke and I will sigh
And you will laugh and I will cry
Happiness I cannot feel
And love to me is so unreal

And so as you hear these words
Telling you now of my state




I tell you to enjoy life
I wish I could but it's too late

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Soft Cell's "Paranoid" are a raw and emotional outcry from the singer who is unable to find peace and happiness in their life. The first line, "Finished with my woman, 'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind" sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer explains their struggle with mental illness and the inability of others to understand and support them. The phrase "people think I'm insane" implies a sense of stigma and social isolation as a result of their condition.


The second verse speaks to the frustration of being unable to find satisfaction or meaning in life, despite the constant search for it. The line "think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify" highlights the desperation and urgency of the singer's situation. The chorus of the song is a plea for help, with the singer asking for someone to show them the things in life which they cannot seem to find on their own.


The third verse is particularly poignant, as the singer speaks of their inability to feel happiness or love. The line "make a joke and I will sigh, and you will laugh and I will cry" speaks to the disconnect between the singer and the world around them. They are unable to share in the joy of others and instead are burdened by their own internal struggles. The song ends with a sense of regret and resignation, as the singer admits that they are unable to change their situation, but encourages others to find joy in life where they can.


Overall, "Paranoid" is a deeply introspective and emotional song, shining a light on the struggles of those who suffer from mental illness and the isolation that often comes with it.


Line by Line Meaning

Finished with my woman
I am no longer with my partner


'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
I ended the relationship because she couldn't alleviate my mental troubles


People think I'm insane
Others believe that I am crazy


Because I am frowning all the time
Because I always wear a scowl on my face


All day long I think of things
I spend my entire day ruminating


But nothing seems to satisfy
But nothing brings me contentment


Think I'll lose my mind
I fear that I will go insane


If I don't find something to pacify
Unless I find some solace


Can you help me occupy my brain?
Could you assist me in keeping my mind occupied?


I need someone to show me
I require someone to guide me


The things in life that I can't find
The aspects of existence that elude me


I can't see the things that make true happiness
I cannot perceive what truly causes joy


I must be blind
It seems that I am unable to see clearly


Make a joke and I will sigh
If you attempt to cheer me up, I will deflate


And you will laugh and I will cry
I will be moved to tears while you chuckle


Happiness I cannot feel
I am incapable of experiencing happiness


And love to me is so unreal
And I find love to be unbelievable


And so as you hear these words
As you listen to me speak


Telling you now of my state
Discussing my current condition


I tell you to enjoy life
I encourage you to savor existence


I wish I could but it's too late
Unfortunately, I am unable to do so myself




Contributed by Asher C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@god9554

Finished with my woman'
Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
People think I'm insane
Because I am frowning all the time.
All day long I think of things
But nothing seems to satisfy.
Think I'll lose my mind
If I don't find something to pacify
Can you help me?
Occupy my brain?
Oh, yeah
I need someone to show me
The things in life that I can't find
I can't see the things that make true happiness
I must be blind.
Make a joke, and I will sigh.
And you will laugh, and I will cry.
Happiness I cannot feel
And love to me is so unreal.
And so as you hear these words
Telling you now of my state
I tell you to enjoy life
I wish I could
But it's too late



All comments from YouTube:

@robertbaker5156

Absolutely brilliant !!!!

@mantronixtube

i love this cover... just heard it for the first time and i was shocked! loved it.

@PHAEDRIDER

david ball is a genius . marc almond is hilarious

@johnathonsteeel6922

Marc Almond’s shrieks are hilarious.

@jeffdavidfleming

Sounds like audio from a 70's video game.

@deathschool91

I love this.

@satyros2

thank you

@Mannchild11

Tremendous. Do it the Soft Cell way. lol.

@god9554

Finished with my woman'
Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
People think I'm insane
Because I am frowning all the time.
All day long I think of things
But nothing seems to satisfy.
Think I'll lose my mind
If I don't find something to pacify
Can you help me?
Occupy my brain?
Oh, yeah
I need someone to show me
The things in life that I can't find
I can't see the things that make true happiness
I must be blind.
Make a joke, and I will sigh.
And you will laugh, and I will cry.
Happiness I cannot feel
And love to me is so unreal.
And so as you hear these words
Telling you now of my state
I tell you to enjoy life
I wish I could
But it's too late

@Eagleh425

reminds me of singing androids

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