I Can't Control Myself
The Horrors (England) Lyrics

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Across the pathless sands
Through jungle, blind I run
No guide taken in hand
And no idea where to turn

No sanctuary found
I tear myself in two
I pray for scarlet fields to save me

Whole and white and pure

I can't control myself
Lend one of your hands 'cause I
I can't control myself

I dream of lost desires
Fingers run through fur
I drive myself insane
The rain cascades onto the dirt

And in the throes of love
Where the shadows burst in flames
I cast myself abandoned
With a cry I call your name

I can't control myself
I try and I try but I
I can't control myself

I can't control myself
Lend one of your hands 'cause I
I can't control myself
Or hold myself in though I try

I can't control myself

Deliver me from the fire
I can't control myself

Overall Meaning

The Horrors' song "I Can't Control Myself" is a dark and moody exploration of desire and its consequences. The song begins with the singer running blindly through a jungle, seeking guidance but finding none. They are torn between conflicting desires, praying for salvation from their confusion. The chorus repeats the titular line "I can't control myself," emphasizing the singer's lack of agency and their inability to resist their impulses.

As the song continues, the imagery becomes more vivid and intense. The singer dreams of lost desires and finds themselves on the brink of insanity as the rain falls around them. In the throes of love, they are consumed by shadows and cry out for their lover to save them. Despite their efforts, they cannot control themselves and are at the mercy of their desires.

The song's haunting melody and poetic lyrics create a sense of unease and desperation. The repetition of the chorus underscores the singer's helplessness, while the vivid imagery paints a picture of a mind consumed by desire. Overall, "I Can't Control Myself" is a powerful statement on the often-unpredictable nature of desire and its ability to overpower even the strongest wills.

Line by Line Meaning

Across the pathless sands
I am lost and wandering aimlessly without any clear direction or guidance.

Through jungle, blind I run
I am navigating through difficult and unfamiliar terrain without any knowledge of what lies ahead.

No guide taken in hand
I have not sought out any help or assistance to navigate these challenges that I am facing.

And no idea where to turn
I am uncertain and clueless about how to solve the problems that I am facing.

No sanctuary found
I have not yet found a safe or secure place to rest and find solace.

I tear myself in two
I am struggling internally and feeling divided by conflicting emotions or desires.

I pray for scarlet fields to save me
I am hoping for a dreamlike escape from my troubles, to a world of pure and perfect beauty.

Whole and white and pure
In this dreamlike world, everything is completely pure and without blemish.

I can't control myself
I feel overwhelmed and unable to manage my emotions or thoughts in a rational or effective way.

Lend one of your hands 'cause I
I am reaching out for help and support from others because I cannot handle things alone.

I dream of lost desires
I yearn for things that I have lost or that are no longer attainable.

Fingers run through fur
I am imagining a sensual and intimate physical moment with someone or something.

I drive myself insane
I am torturing myself mentally and emotionally by obsessing over something that I cannot have or cannot let go of.

The rain cascades onto the dirt
I am imagining a bleak, desolate scene in which the natural elements are harsh and unforgiving.

And in the throes of love
I am consumed by the passion and intensity of a romantic relationship or sexual encounter.

Where the shadows burst in flames
I am lost in a chaotic and surreal world where nothing makes sense and everything is unpredictable.

I cast myself abandoned
I am giving up control and surrendering to my emotions or desires, even if it means being alone and vulnerable.

With a cry I call your name
I am desperately reaching out to someone for comfort or reassurance in the midst of my turmoil.

I try and I try but I
I am making a sincere effort to overcome my struggles and regain control of my life, but it seems to be futile.

Or hold myself in though I try
I am attempting to resist my impulses and emotions, but I find it difficult to do so in the face of overwhelming temptation or stress.

Deliver me from the fire
I am asking for a release from my mental and emotional anguish and for the strength to endure whatever challenges lie ahead.

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: FARIS BADWAN, JOSEPH SPURGEON, JOSHUA HAYWARD, RHYS WEBB, TOM COWAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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