What Goes On
Spherical Objects Lyrics
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I knew some other person, oh but, you're still here
And I'm wondering why, won't you draw back the curtain
What goes on in your mind when you love me
What do you feel, what do you see
What goes on in your mind when you love me
What is the cast of your fantasy
You're a shadow too sharp, you just catch my eye
Every time I look I can feel something cry
I can see in the darkness, the room's bright with light
I'm insulated as you hold me tight
What goes on in your mind when you love me
What do you feel, what do you see
What goes on in your mind when you love me
What is the cast of your fantasy
In "What Goes On," Spherical Objects explore the idea of a partner who is emotionally distant, or as the first line puts it, "remote." The singer recognizes that they are still physically present, but they might as well be a different person for how shut off they are. The singer wonders what is really going on in the other person's mind, particularly when it comes to the way they feel about the singer. The questions are simple: What does the other person feel? What do they see? What do they imagine or fantasize about?
The lyrics suggest an intense longing for connection--the singer clearly wants to know what's going on in the other person's head. But there's also a feeling of being trapped or isolated, as if the two of them are in separate worlds: "You're a shadow too sharp, you just catch my eye / Every time I look I can feel something cry." The use of the word "shadow" suggests that the other person is only partially present or visible, and the singer is acutely aware of this fact. The song ends on a note of ambiguity: we don't know if the other person ever reveals what goes on in their mind.
Overall, "What Goes On" is a poignant exploration of the emotional distance that can exist between two people who are supposed to be close. It captures the frustration and sadness that can result from feeling like you can't truly connect with someone you care about.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't see you, you've become so remote
I am unable to see your true self anymore as you have distanced yourself from me
I knew some other person, oh but, you're still here
There seems to be a change in you, but you remain in my life as the same person
And I'm wondering why, won't you draw back the curtain
I am curious to know the reason for your changed behavior and wish for you to reveal it to me
What goes on in your mind when you love me
I am curious to understand your thoughts and emotions when you love me
What do you feel, what do you see
I want to know what emotions and visuals occupy your mind when you love me
What goes on in your mind when you love me
I am still wondering and trying to decipher the workings of your mind when you love me
What is the cast of your fantasy
I am curious to know what your ideal or perfect scenario involving me looks like
You're a shadow too sharp, you just catch my eye
Although you seem distant, your presence still affects me and I cannot ignore it
Every time I look I can feel something cry
Your changed behavior has left me feeling emotional and in pain
I can see in the darkness, the room's bright with light
Even in difficult situations, I can find clarity and hope
I'm insulated as you hold me tight
Your love provides me with a sense of security and comfort
Contributed by Joseph D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Searchandpreserve
Great band - great label (object music) - also the home of "Grow up", the band of John Bisset-Smith, who plays the jazzy solo-guitar on this one. It´s about time "grow up" were discovered here, maybe it´s your turn...By the way: The Spherical objects are almost completly on Youtube.