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.

The Talent Contest
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

she sit before the mirror, hanging mirrors on her
ears and spreads the spraypaint on the haystack that
she calls her hair. She fills a crack, prepares her
nails like blood-dipped spears (they're dripping!)
Smears the lipstick, licks her lips and slips inside
her leopard skin--a plunging 'v' from neck to knees,
but nothing's seen, it's just suggested. Tonight she'll
make a plea for starving whales and heart disease

in trees. She's on T.V., she's longing for a 10 from
presentation, application, lubrication; she'd do any-
thing . . . anything to win. And Yang and Yin, the
juggling twins, come spinning past her door to mild
applause and 5.4s and cleaning floors 'til lights
out. Funny Murray taps his worry beads and reads
the Tarot. She looks around and sneers. No com-

petition, superstition. Blind ambition. She'd do any-
thing to win. And 834's her lucky number . . .

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Legendary Pink Dots' song The Talent Contest describe a woman getting ready for a talent competition. The first verse paints a vivid image of her prepping herself--placing mirrors on her ears and covering her hair with spray paint. The second verse goes on to describe how she is dressed in a revealing leopard skin outfit and is making a plea for a cause she supports. She's on television, competing for a high score and willing to do anything to win. The third and final verse introduces other contestants, including the juggling twins and a man who reads Tarot cards. Despite the competition, the woman is confident that she will win, and her lucky number is 834.

The song appears to criticize the shallow nature of talent competitions, where contestants will do anything to win, even if it means sacrificing their values and beliefs. The woman's willingness to "do anything" and her sneer at the other contestants suggests a sense of superiority and a disregard for authenticity. The lyrics also touch on themes of ambition, superstition, and the arbitrary nature of success.

Line by Line Meaning

she sit before the mirror, hanging mirrors on her ears and spreads the spraypaint on the haystack that she calls her hair.
She sits in front of her mirror and decorates herself with mirrors and brightly colored spray for a striking hairstyle.

She fills a crack, prepares her nails like blood-dipped spears (they're dripping!)
She carefully prepares her nails to appear sharp and bloody for her performance.

Smears the lipstick, licks her lips and slips inside her leopard skin--a plunging 'v' from neck to knees, but nothing's seen, it's just suggested.
She applies a bold lipstick and wears a leopard print outfit that is revealing but not overtly so, leaving something to the imagination.

Tonight she'll make a plea for starving whales and heart disease in trees.
During her performance, she will use her platform to raise awareness for important causes such as animal conservation and environmental health.

She's on T.V., she's longing for a 10 from presentation, application, lubrication; she'd do any-thing . . . anything to win.
She is performing on national television and desperately wants to receive a perfect score, willing to do anything to achieve victory.

And Yang and Yin, the juggling twins, come spinning past her door to mild applause and 5.4s and cleaning floors 'til lights out.
Other performers, such as a pair of juggling twins, receive mediocre scores and will have to clean the floors after the show.

Funny Murray taps his worry beads and reads the Tarot.
Another performer, Funny Murray, is shown exhibiting nervous behavior and turning to superstitions prior to his performance.

She looks around and sneers. No com-petition, superstition. Blind ambition. She'd do any-thing to win. And 834's her lucky number . . .
Upon surveying her competition, she feels confident in her abilities and scoffs at any superstitious behaviors. She maintains a singular focus on winning, and believes the number 834 brings her luck.

Contributed by Carson P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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