Meaning of Underneath The Colours by INXS

'Underneath The Colours' by INXS is a thought-provoking song that delves into the complexities of human nature, questioning the divisions that exist within society. The song's overall theme revolves around the idea that there is more to people than meets the eye and that beneath the surface, beneath the colors we present to the world, there are hidden depths and contradictions. Let's explore a few standout lyrics and interpret the imaginative themes they help to develop."No division in the ranks, the lines are long and proud." This lyric introduces the idea of unity, suggesting that on the surface, there may be a sense of collective purpose, perhaps within a community or a social group. However, it also implies that this unity may be superficial, like painted lines, and that deep down, doubts and questions persist. The overarching theme here is the duality of unity and doubt – how a seemingly united front can hide underlying internal conflicts."Like a Chinese painting, all red with its message." Here, the song draws a metaphorical parallel to the intricacies of a Chinese painting. It suggests that the message conveyed by appearances might not reflect the true reality. The theme of misdirection and hidden meaning emerges, reminding us that perceptions can be deceiving, just like a beautifully crafted painting holding hidden symbolism."A flag high in the sky twists and turns its language." This line extends the theme of misdirection and hidden meaning. It alludes to the manipulation of symbols and language to serve various agendas or to veil true intentions. The notion of power comes into play here; those who control symbols and language can shape and twist perceptions to their advantage. Thus, the song explores the theme of manipulation, particularly through the use of visual and linguistic elements."Underneath the colors red-blue-white, catch a glimpse of others from the corner of your eye." This lyric reinforces the overarching theme of hidden depths. It urges us to look beyond surface appearances and take notice of the people around us. It encourages empathy and understanding, acknowledging that everyone has their struggles and complexities. The colors red, blue, and white symbolize different aspects of human experience – passion, sadness, and purity, respectively. The theme here centers on empathy and recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals, reminding us to seek understanding beyond what meets the eye."With the rise and fall of the conductor's blind hand, I play Russian roulette, I'm an angry young man." This powerful lyric captures the rebellious spirit of youth and expresses the frustrations and conflicts within. The reference to Russian roulette signifies a willingness to take risks, suggesting that anger can sometimes lead to impulsive and dangerous behaviors. The theme of inner turmoil and the volatility of emotions emerges here, adding another layer to the exploration of human complexity.In summary, 'Underneath The Colours' explores the overarching theme of hidden depths within individuals and society. Through vivid and imaginative lyrics, the song delves into the duality of unity and doubt, the manipulation of symbols and language, the importance of empathy and understanding, and the complexities of human emotions. It serves as a reminder that there is more to people than what is visible on the surface and encourages us to peel back the layers to reveal the vivid spectrum of human experience.