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.
Friend
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics
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He stays discreet, that doesn't mean he's hiding
Indeed, he's here right now and i believe
he likes you very much, because he's smiling
but my friend will never advertise
he stays inside and whispers
secrets that should stay that way
where everyone accepts me and I'm happy
I rip this metal mask off from my face
I hold my head up high and no one slaps me
but they always come and take me down
my friend steps back, won't make a sound.
I fall back, again.
The Legendary Pink Dots's song "Friend" is a haunting portrayal of the relationship between the singer and his imaginary friend. The lyrics imply a sense of isolation and individualism that are represented by the singer's friend, who is invisible to others but ever-present for the singer. The singer's friend is a source of comfort and support, and in the song, the singer describes how his friend takes him to a place where he is accepted and happy. The imaginary friend is also portrayed as someone who is protective of the singer, staying quiet when the singer is being taken down.
The image of the metal mask is also poignant in the song, as it represents the societal norms and expectations that the singer is forced to conform to. The singer's imaginary friend, however, encourages him to take off the mask and be true to himself, which is a powerful message in a society that often values conformity over individualism. The song, overall, is about the importance of finding one's own path in life and being true to oneself, even when faced with societal pressure to conform.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a friend that only I can see
I have an imaginary friend that others cannot perceive
He stays discreet, that doesn't mean he's hiding
Although he remains concealed, it does not imply that he is attempting to evade notice
Indeed, he's here right now and i believe
In reality, he exists with me at this moment and I trust his presence
he likes you very much, because he's smiling
He finds you agreeable and manifests his fondness towards you through his expression
but my friend will never advertise
However, my friend will not seek attention from others
he stays inside and whispers
He remains concealed and murmurs to me alone
secrets that should stay that way
He imparts confidential information that I am obliged to preserve
Sometimes he will take me to a place
Occasionally, he accompanies me to a specific location
where everyone accepts me and I'm happy
Where everybody acknowledges me and I am content
I rip this metal mask off from my face
I am free to remove the figurative mask that inhibits me
I hold my head up high and no one slaps me
I feel proud and confident, and nobody ridicules or undermines me
but they always come and take me down
Unfortunately, I am eventually brought back to reality and my happiness diminishes
my friend steps back, won't make a sound.
My imaginary friend disengages and remains silent throughout this traumatic procedure
I fall back, again.
I regress to my regular state of mind, and my friend once again resides within me
Contributed by Anna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.