The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 … Read Full Bio ↴The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 in the UK who, although distinctly underground, have been musically influential over the years. The band name was derived from pink dots of nail varnish on the piano in their squat, where founding members Edward and April lived. The band has as its focal point vocalist Edward Ka-Spel, who is, along with Phil "The Silverman" Knight, one of the original remaining members of the band. In the mid eighties the band resettled in the Netherlands, where they still reside today. Apart from Edward and Phil, the line-up has gone through many changes. Members such as Ryan Moore, a Canadian bass player, who joined in 1991 after the recordings of the Last Man to Fly with the Tear Garden (he joined as a session musician), went on to form their own labels and musical projects. See Twilight Circus and M Records. Their music is nothing if not original and it is difficult to categorise, but comparisons may be drawn with bands like Pink Floyd and Can.

Their sound has been described as an amalgamation of psychedelic rock, industrial, synth-pop and avant-garde. They have released over 40 records and continuously tour the world.

Members of the band have also collaborated with Nurse With Wound, The Dresden Dolls, Jarboe, HNAS, Jim O'Rourke, Skinny Puppy's cEvin Key, forming The Tear Garden. Ka Spel accompanied Skinny Puppy for a small part of their 1988 European 'Head Trauma' tour in Sweden. Key also appears on the 1994 album 9 Lives to Wonder.

1001 Commandments
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'll never shout you down I'll never shut you in I'll never lock you out I'll
never smash your things if you're forever out or ever out with him I'll never share
my doubts I'll keep them all within I'll never shop around I'll keep the shop
within I'll keep it squeaky clean I'll never listen in when you are phoning in
I'll always let you win all your forbidden games I can't pretend I'm in I shall take the blame I
shall sit outside in the pouring rain If you shout my name If you shout my
name If you shout my name If you shout my name and if you shout my name I'll
crawl into you

When I'm watching out watch the cat creep in I'll just go walk about when
you're upstairs with him & when he goes away & you cry out your pain but here
I am again here I am again I'm on my hands & knees & you can cling to me & pin
some wings on me & I will ride the breeze I'm only here to please it's my
philosophy & I submit to thee yes I submit to she I submit to thee yes I

submit to she I submit to thee yes I submit to she I'll crawl into you
I submit to thee yes I submit to she (repeat til end)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Legendary Pink Dots's song "1001 Commandments" describe a person who is incredibly devoted to their partner. They promise to never silence or isolate them, never destroy their belongings or lock them out. Even if their partner is with someone else, the singer will keep their doubts and jealousy to themselves. They offer complete loyalty, keeping their shop clean and never eavesdropping on their partner's phone conversations. They will always let their partner win at any "forbidden games," and will take the blame if necessary. If their partner calls out for them, they will come crawling, eager to please and submit to them.

The song seems to be about an obsessive love and devotion, to the point where the singer is willing to sacrifice their own desires and needs for the sake of their partner. They are constantly watching and waiting for their chance to be of service, even if it means putting themselves through pain and humiliation. The repeated refrain of "I'll crawl into you" emphasizes this sense of submission and desire to merge with their partner.

Overall, the lyrics suggest a complex and potentially unhealthy relationship dynamic, where one partner is willing to do anything to keep the other close. It raises questions about the nature of love and self-sacrifice, and whether it is possible to find a healthy balance between devotion and independence.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll never shout you down
I will never raise my voice to impose my power over you or quiet you down.

I'll never shut you in
I will never restrict you or prevent you from leaving a place or situation.

I'll never lock you out
I will never deny you access to a place or space, leaving you outside.

I'll never smash your things if you're forever out or ever out with him
I will not destroy, damage or throw away your belongings or personal items, even if you are spending time with another person.

I'll never share my doubts I'll keep them all within
I will not disclose my uncertainties or fears to you or anyone else, choosing to deal with them independently.

I'll never shop around I'll keep the shop within
I will not seek product alternatives or different places to buy items, instead sticking to what is familiar and known.

I'll keep it squeaky clean
I will maintain cleanliness and organization in the surrounding space or context.

I'll never listen in when you are phoning in
I will not eavesdrop, overhear, or record private conversations or messages that are meant for you only.

I'll always let you win all your forbidden games
I will admit defeat and let you have victory in any activity or challenge, even if it seems morally or legally wrong.

I can't pretend I'm in I shall take the blame
I cannot pretend to understand or be involved in something if I am not, opting to accept responsibility and accountability for any mistakes or errors made by myself or others.

I shall sit outside in the pouring rain
I will endure hardship, exposure, and discomfort for you or for the sake of an ideal, sitting outside even if it's raining heavily.

If you shout my name If you shout my name If you shout my name If you shout my name and if you shout my name I'll crawl into you
If you call out to me, needing my help, support, or affection, I will come to you, willingly and humbly.

When I'm watching out watch the cat creep in
When I'm on guard or alert, I will also monitor subtle or sneaky behavior, even from animals.

I'll just go walk about when you're upstairs with him
I will leave your proximity if you are spending intimate time with someone else.

& when he goes away & you cry out your pain but here I am again here I am again
If the person you are involved with leaves or hurts you, I will come back to comfort and support you, repeating my vow to be there always.

I'm on my hands & knees & you can cling to me & pin some wings on me & I will ride the breeze
I offer myself to you humbly and submissively, allowing you to lean on me and even transform me, as long as it brings you pleasure or elevation.

I'm only here to please it's my philosophy
My purpose or motto in life is to satisfy and gratify you, making you happy or comfortable at all times.

& I submit to thee yes I submit to she I submit to thee yes I submit to she I submit to thee yes I submit to she
I acknowledge your superior position or authority and declare my loyalty and obedience to you, offering myself as a servant or disciple.

Contributed by Josiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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