Plainsong
The Cure Lyrics


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"I think it's dark and it looks like it's rain," you said
"And the wind is blowing like it's the end of the world," you said
And it's so cold, it's like the cold if you were dead
And you smiled for a second

"I think I'm old and I'm feeling pain," you said
"And it's all running out like it's the end of the world," you said
And it's so cold, it's like the cold if you were dead
And you smiled for a second

Sometimes you make me feel
Like I'm living at the edge of the world




Like I'm living at the edge of the world
"It's just the way I smile," you said

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of The Cure's song Plainsong paint a gloomy picture of a dark and cold day. The singer is conversing with someone who describes the day as feeling like the end of the world. The cold is so intense it feels like death, but the person manages to smile for a moment. The following lines show the person's exhaustion and the feeling of coming to an end. They feel old and as though everything is slipping away. The cold is again emphasized, and the person manages to smile one more time. The final lines reveal that it's become a familiar reaction with the person explaining that it's just the way they smile.


The song continues with a series of atmospheric verses that build and grow, matching the intensity of the weather and reflecting the singer's feelings. The haunting and reflective nature of the song is a common feature in The Cure's music. The lyrics conjure up vivid images of somber landscapes and feelings of isolation and despair. In contrast, the music creates a sense of hope through its use of intricate arrangements and layered textures.


Line by Line Meaning

I think it's dark and it looks like it's rain," you said
You expressed how you perceive the environment to be gloomy and rainy.


"And the wind is blowing like it's the end of the world," you said
You remarked how the wind is blowing so hard, it feels like an apocalyptic scenario.


And it's so cold, it's like the cold if you were dead
The frigid temperature has reached an almost unbearable level, making you feel like you're dead.


And you smiled for a second
Despite the harsh climate, there was a brief moment where you found happiness.


"I think I'm old and I'm feeling pain," you said
You mentioned feeling old and experiencing discomfort.


"And it's all running out like it's the end of the world," you said
You conveyed a sense of impending doom and urgency, as if time is fleeting.


Sometimes you make me feel
There are instances where you make me feel


Like I'm living at the edge of the world
As if I'm living in a desolate, isolated place where I'm just barely getting by.


It's just the way I smile," you said
You cited your smile as a reason or excuse for your behavior or attitude.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert James Smith, Roger O'Donnell, Porl Thompson, Laurence Andrew Tolhurst, Boris Williams, Simon Johnathon Gallup

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@trumpetluv71

No other song makes my stomach quiver with nervousness, my heart beat louder, and my breath get faster when I think about her. That's what The Cure does to me.

I remember all the happy times, but mostly the sad times- all at once, because I let go of the best person in the world for me. What was I thinking? Why did I do that?? No one to this day will ever make me feel as complete as she did. She was so good to me.

I'll never get her back. Never.

What I would do to go back in time and marry her.

I lost my Doll.



All comments from YouTube:

@kirstinmazzy

I walked down the aisle to this song on my wedding day

@mikeruiz3046

A very smart choice!

@cecilitaf

A Goth wedding??

@TheMegaAgibbs

That must have been a really, really long aisle. ;)

Great choice too. :)

@josuecordoba2656

How is it so far

@FutileGrief

OMG BEAUTIFUL

58 More Replies...

@SonicKoolaid

One of the greatest opening tracks to an album ever

@richard7645

It's amazing 😍

@NYI8788

i have heared that the full album have been the greatest for this kind of music in the 90`s

@GhostMonkey772

​​​@@Eet_Miadisintegration was released in 89

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