Phallus Dei
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.

Phallus Dei
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Pulses pounding, lungs collapse in sheets of sewer breath. Firing sweat stains steam saliva, seeds of sudden death. Seeping through the ventilator, up the fire escape. In a line, spirits whisper, "Season's right for rape." (I will think of England, of trees in summertime. Of leafy lanes, of daisy chains, of Grandad's rhubarb wine.) Run Christina, hide Christina, sneak inside this shoe. A pair of rancid rotten hands are wringing just for you. But android armies armed with H-bombs couldn't save you now. Best to just lie back and wait, and contemplate your vow. (I will think of England, preparing for this trial. I'll raise my veil, I'll bite my nails, I'll grimace when he smiles.) Shrivel up, shimmer, sliding, shooting, sinking to the ground. Seedy 3D Polaroids can twist it round and round. It twined, entwined in twilight tango turning in the fire. Pressing, pushing past the limit, expand and then expire. (I will think of England, of trees in summertime. Of leafy lanes, of daisy chains, of Grandad's rhubarb wine.) Peter puked, tore a curtain, dipped his eyes and cried. Pilate pondered on his pipe, politely turned aside. And at the door stood John the Baptist, head beneath one arm. Spitting oaths, splitting fingers, sounding the alarm.




Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Legendary Pink Dots’ song Phallus Dei paint a horrific and disturbing picture of sexual assault and violence. The opening lines describe a physical reaction to the situation, with the singer’s pulses pounding and lungs collapsing from the stench of their breath. Seeds of sudden death could refer to disease transmission or pregnancy. The lyrics suggest that there is no escape from the situation, with spirits whispering that the season is right for rape. The use of the phrase "I will think of England" is a reference to a historical anecdote about Queen Victoria, who is said to have advised her daughter to think of England while enduring her husband's sexual advances. The use of this phrase here is a reflection of the singer's desperation and lack of agency in the situation. The final stanza includes references to biblical figures, with Peter vomiting and Pilate turning a blind eye to the situation. John the Baptist’s severed head serves as a gruesome warning of the violence that occurs when power is abused.


The lyrics of Phallus Dei represent a challenging and complex work of art. On one level, it can be read as a commentary on sexual violence and the objectification of women. On another level, it can be seen as a reflection of wider societal issues around power and corruption. The imagery used throughout the song is vivid and intense, evoking a sense of fear and horror. The use of biblical allusions adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the lyrics, helping to underscore the themes of power and violence.


Line by Line Meaning

Pulses pounding, lungs collapse in sheets of sewer breath.
Heartbeats quicken, breaths become shallow and difficult as fear takes over.


Firing sweat stains steam saliva, seeds of sudden death.
Sweat pours down, mixing with saliva and creating a feeling of impending doom.


Seeping through the ventilator, up the fire escape.
Fear and danger creep in through any available entrance.


In a line, spirits whisper, "Season's right for rape."
There is an eerie sense that the time is right for something terrible to happen.


Run Christina, hide Christina, sneak inside this shoe.
Escaping seems impossible, but hiding is the only option left.


A pair of rancid rotten hands are wringing just for you.
Some kind of monster is waiting to grab hold of you and cause harm.


But android armies armed with H-bombs couldn't save you now.
Even the most powerful forms of protection wouldn’t be enough to save you.


Best to just lie back and wait, and contemplate your vow.
Sometimes the only thing to do is wait and hope for the best.


Shrivel up, shimmer, sliding, shooting, sinking to the ground.
The fear takes over completely, with the body reacting uncontrollably.


Seedy 3D Polaroids can twist it round and round.
Memories and thoughts can become distorted by fear and trauma.


It twined, entwined in twilight tango turning in the fire.
The situation becomes more and more dangerous, with no escape in sight.


Pressing, pushing past the limit, expand and then expire.
The body and mind are pushed to their breaking point and ultimately give out.


Peter puked, tore a curtain, dipped his eyes and cried.
The intensity of the situation causes physical and emotional reactions.


Pilate pondered on his pipe, politely turned aside.
Some choose to avoid the danger and responsibility altogether.


And at the door stood John the Baptist, head beneath one arm.
The situation has truly reached a point of horror and chaos.


Spitting oaths, splitting fingers, sounding the alarm.
Amidst the chaos, some try to take charge and warn others.




Contributed by Vivian V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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