Identity
X‐Ray Spex Lyrics
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Identity is the crisis, can't you see?
Identity, identity
When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself?
Do you see yourself on the tv screen?
Do you see yourself in the magazine
When you see yourself, does it make you scream?
Identity is the crisis, can't you see?
Identity, identity
Yeah!
Identity is the crisis, can't you see?
Identity, identity
When you look in the mirror, do you smash it quick?
Do you take the glass and slash your wrists?
Did you do it for fame, did you do it in a fit?
Did you do it before you read about it?
Identity is the crisis, can't you see?
Identity, identity
Yeah!
The lyrics to X-Ray Spex’s “Identity” touch on the crisis of identity and how it’s portrayed in the media. The first verse asks the question of whether we see ourselves in the media or when we look in the mirror. This brings up the struggle of identifying who we are and how we compare ourselves to others. It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed when we’re constantly bombarded with images of what we should look like, what we should wear, and how we should behave. When we don’t match up to these standards, it can often make us feel inadequate or like something is deeply wrong with us.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the point that identity is a crisis. It’s something that many of us struggle with, whether we realize it or not. The repetition of the word “identity” hammers the message home and makes it clear that this is a topic that is worth reflecting on.
The second verse talks about the extreme lengths some people go to in order to define their identity. From smashing mirrors to hurting themselves, people can go to great lengths to feel seen and heard in a world that often values superficial appearances over deeper qualities like kindness or empathy. Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the struggles of identity and the importance of looking beyond the media in order to truly understand who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Identity is the crisis, can't you see?
The concept of identity is causing a crisis, don't you realize?
Identity, identity
Reinforcing the idea that identity is the central theme of the song
When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself?
When you look in the mirror, do you recognize and identify with the person staring back at you?
Do you see yourself on the tv screen?
Do you see representations of yourself in media, and do you identify with those depictions?
Do you see yourself in the magazine
Do you see images and articles that reflect your personal identity and experiences?
When you see yourself, does it make you scream?
Does the recognition of your identity provoke a strong emotional reaction?
When you look in the mirror, do you smash it quick?
Do you respond to the crisis of identity by literally destroying your own image?
Do you take the glass and slash your wrists?
Is the crisis of identity so overwhelming that you self-harm?
Did you do it for fame, did you do it in a fit?
Did you engage in destructive behavior for attention or because of uncontrollable emotions?
Did you do it before you read about it?
Was your destructive behavior a result of your own personal crisis or did outside influences contribute?
Yeah!
Emphatic affirmation of the central message that identity is a critical issue
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARIAN JOAN ELLIOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hotelchelsearesident
God i love it how she can scream that song with total punk energy but still give off a positive vibe. not whiney and bitching just striaght up honest and unique. thats so rare to find these days she will be greatly missed.
@monsieurlaguillotine3481
Polly wasn't one of a kind, but she was the first of her kind. RIP to a fucking legend.
@alundavies8402
Brilliant innit!
@russellpotts3069
Well expressed. My thoughts too
@internetpolification
Amazing
@twebster179
Whining and bitching?
@aselmac
It's truly sad to see the original, true punk artists go. RIP Polly.
@jonnyrocket3659
I was 14 then.. I loved this tune, as I did many others at the time by the Clash, Pistols, Buzzcocks etc. Such a great era to become musically inspired. I got my first drum kit in the same year, and went on to play with many bands over the years.
@plathandpinter
Fantastic vocalist...she is a legend
@eekowarrior
Magical - so sad that she died before she could promote her new material -massively underrated seminal influence