Past members included Peggy Wang (vocals, keyboards), Alex Naidus (bass), and Kurt Feldman (drums, programming). Feldman currently works as an engineer and producer at Winter Station Studios and leads the synthpop group Ice Choir and the sophisti-pop group Roman a Clef, which also features current Pains member Jen Goma.
On November 4, [yearended]2019[/yearended] they announced they were breaking up.
The Body
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Lyrics
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Your last daydream is slowly unreeling
Won't you come out tonight, like I know you want to
'Cause the city's alive and even though it haunts you, I want you
To tell me again what the body's for
'Cause I can't feel it anymore
I want to hurt like it did before
Tell me again what the body's for
'Cause I can't feel it anymore
I lost mine and I need yours,
It's only skin, we could swim
You try so hard to keep it together,
And you look so hard in fishnets and leather
But I know who you are, you are just a lost saint
And if we go too far, there'll be heaven to pay
And what a price
I can't feel it anymore, tell me again what the body's for
I can't feel it anymore, tell me again it's only skin, we should swim
The "Body" by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart is an emotional plea to experience physical sensations once more. The singer is drained and tired, feeling numb to touch and sensations. The song starts by requesting the person to stop daydreaming and join the living city, even if it haunts him/her. The offer is accompanied by an invitation to talk about the reason for having a body, even though the singer can't feel it anymore. The singer longs for emotion, for feelings, and for the ability to hurt just like before.
The song emphasizes that the human body is only skin, and the concept of being a saint and sinning is a significant concern. The singer acknowledges that going too far can have dire consequences and come at a great price. However, the desire for physical experience is insurmountable. The yearn to burst in emotions, swimming in the skin, and feeling things again is too great. Hence the singer pleads with the companion to aid the cause, to tell the singer once more what the body's for.
Overall, the song showcases the human need for physical stimulation and how powerful the body's sensations are. The lyrics relate to moments when we feel numb and unable to express, yet the need to feel things once more is stronger than anything else.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on now stop staring at the ceiling
Stop moping and wasting time.
Your last daydream is slowly unreeling
You know that fantasy you were lost in? It's over. Move on.
Won't you come out tonight, like I know you want to
Don't stay stuck inside. You crave company, so come on out!
'Cause the city's alive and even though it haunts you, I want you
The energy of the city scares you, but I desire you despite that.
To tell me again what the body's for
Explain to me the purpose of physical experience.
'Cause I can't feel it anymore
I am numb and cannot sense any sensation.
I want to hurt like it did before
I miss the pain of emotion and want it back in my life.
We shouldn't sin
We must avoid immoral activity.
I lost mine and I need yours
I have lost my individuality, and want to borrow yours.
It's only skin, we could swim
Physical existence is fleeting and temporary, so we might as well experience its pleasures.
You try so hard to keep it together
You struggle to maintain control.
And you look so hard in fishnets and leather
Your appearance projects a carefully-constructed image.
But I know who you are, you are just a lost saint
Despite your efforts to hide your true self, I understand that you feel adrift.
And if we go too far, there'll be heaven to pay
If we indulge too much in risky behavior, there will be severe consequences.
And what a price
The price of facing those consequences will be unbearable.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALEXANDER ARTHUR NAIDUS, KIP BERMAN, KURT FELDMAN, PEGGY WANG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sherry Schreiner-Beckwith MSN, RN
My son Mac had a great time on the beach all day playing the role of "Kurt". After seeing the final video I could not believe how much he and Kurt looked alike! Best wishes to all in the band, thank you for an awesome opportunity, it was so much fun to be a part of this video ~ Mac
Roberta Russo
This song is great! Listen carefully to the lyrics, pay attention to the video and you'll understand how meaningful it is. It's a celebration of the body! :D
Andres Amoleff
This video made me cry almost at the end...I wanna be a child forever...thanks The pains..you´r my fav band...love your music!
Ophelia.D.
Love it!
Pepler
you guys are kind of geniuses... this video is just amazing (just like 'heart in your heartbreak)! love your music and also your videos & cover arts (:
MECx
One of my favourite videos of all time. Such great meaning.
Daylyn Diveney
this is so beautifully shot and executed. i love it too much.
Joseph Crnich
How has this not gotten more views? It's absolute genius!
Z Hoek
Everything about this is simply perfect.
Ariane Dufort
i'm so addicted to this great song !