With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Deluded Son
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't understand
Where you begin
And where you end
I've seen you back and forth
And left to right
Always well within sight
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
Deluded son
I can collect
The world round my neck
All I have done
I was compelled
I've seen you back and forth
And left to right
Always well within sight
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
Deluded son
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
I am the one
Deluded son
The lyrics to "Deluded Son" by Therapy? depict two different characters - the singer and their "little friend" who seems to be struggling with a sense of self. The singer admits that they don't understand where their friend begins or ends, implying that their friend's identity is in flux. They also observe their friend moving back and forth, left and right, always within sight. This could represent the constant shifting of their friend's self-perception or perhaps their indecisiveness in life.
However, the singer also explains that they themselves are "the one" - though it's unclear if they mean they are the one in control, the one responsible for their friend, or simply the one with a clearer sense of identity. The repeated line "Deluded son" could be the singer's way of acknowledging their friend's struggle with finding their place in the world, but also pointing out that their friend's perceived reality may be flawed. It's possible that the two characters are separate parts of the same person, with the singer representing the rational, logical side of the brain that tries to keep the other half grounded.
Overall, "Deluded Son" seems to be exploring themes of identity, self-doubt, and the struggle to find one's place in a confusing world. The lyrics are somewhat open-ended, leaving plenty of room for interpretation and analysis.
Line by Line Meaning
My little friend
Addressing someone who is close to the singer, possibly with underlying care or concern.
I don't understand
Expressing confusion or a lack of knowledge about something.
Where you begin
Questioning the origin or starting point of the person's actions or behavior.
And where you end
Questioning the limits of the person's actions or behavior, possibly indicating a lack of predictability or consistency.
I've seen you back and forth
Observing the person's behavior as erratic, possibly indicating indecisiveness or lack of direction.
And left to right
Further emphasizing the unpredictability or inconsistency of the person's actions or behavior.
Always well within sight
Noticing the person's actions and behavior as always visible or noticeable.
I am the one
Asserting oneself as the center of attention or control.
Deluded son
Addressing the person as a son who is confused or misguided in their actions or behavior.
I can collect
Expressing the ability to gather or accumulate things, possibly indicating a sense of power or control.
The world round my neck
Feeling the weight or burden of the entire world, possibly indicating a sense of responsibility or obligation.
All I have done
Referring to one's past actions or achievements, possibly with a sense of pride or accomplishment.
I was compelled
Implying that one's actions were driven by an external force or obligation, possibly indicating a lack of agency or free will.
Contributed by Blake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joshfeeney3409
Great song!
@petrikoskiniemi8245
My fave on T? track! This one gotta be played on my bday bash in 2019!
@musicologyu.k942
Me too \\m//
@jannevens9740
the demo version from the gemil box is - but you will know already i think - even better !!
@ollysfilmsandgames2047
@jan Nevens upload it!!! Lol