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.

Game
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Got no way out, there's no use hiding.

Overall Meaning

The opening line of The Legendary Pink Dots' song Game suggests a sense of hopelessness and desperation in the face of an unknown threat or danger. The singer seems to acknowledge that they are unable to escape whatever situation they are in and there is no point in trying to hide from it. This line could also be interpreted as a commentary on the inevitability of certain outcomes in life that we cannot avoid, no matter how hard we try.

The lyrics continue to highlight this sense of resignation and powerlessness throughout the song, with lines like "The fix is in, so there's no point in pretending" and "It's all a game, but no one's winning." The use of the word "game" suggests that the situation the singer finds themself in is akin to a battle or competition, but one in which everyone is losing. This could be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges we face in life, and how sometimes we feel like we are fighting against forces outside of our control.

Line by Line Meaning

Got no way out, there's no use hiding.
I am trapped and have no escape, concealing myself will not help.

I won't deny it, I'm a prisoner singing.
I accept that I am captive and express my confinement through song.

And if the chance comes, I will escape my cell.
If an opportunity arises, I will make a run for it and break free from my imprisonment.

But until then, all I can do is play the game.
Until my chance for escape arrives, I am left with no other option but to participate and comply with the rules and expectations of my captors.

I'm a captive audience in every sense.
In addition to physical confinement, I am also constrained and compelled to engage with the entertainment and propaganda provided by my captors.

Might as well sit back - I've got no defense.
I have no means of defending myself or resisting the situation, so I might as well resign to my circumstances and passively occupy my time.

I've got no chance, no hope, no right.
Without the ability to escape or any prospect of rescue or justice, I am left completely powerless and deprived of basic human entitlements.

Still I refuse to fade into the distant light.
Despite the bleakness of my situation, I will not give up or succumb to a life of oblivion and obscurity.

I'll make my mark before I say goodnight.
Before my inevitable death or disappearance, I will leave a lasting impression or legacy as a testament to my existence and struggle.

Contributed by Camilla R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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