Meaning of Close Escape by Madness

In Madness' song "Close Escape," the band explores the strange and eccentric world of a person desperately searching for a new hobby or interest. The overall theme of the song can be interpreted as a humorous commentary on the lengths people sometimes go to find something that holds their attention. Through playful and catchy lyrics, Madness delves into various themes that shed light on the human experience of searching for meaning and fulfillment.One standout lyric that highlights this theme is "I won't be too persistent 'cos I'm not that way inclined." This lyric suggests that the protagonist of the song is not one to stick to something for too long, possibly indicating a restless and easily bored nature. This theme resonates with the universal human experience of constantly seeking new experiences, hobbies, or interests to fulfill our lives. It hints at the desire to escape from the mundane and find something more fulfilling.Another important lyric in the song is "Hello Miss Collins, you'll not know me. I’m in the undies business, see? Please, please, can you tell me the size? How far from the knee?" This lyric explores the theme of human connection and the lengths we sometimes go to make contact with others. It shows the protagonist's comical attempts to engage with people by posing as a salesman and asking personal questions about clothing sizes. This theme speaks to the universal desire for connection and the sometimes humorous and awkward ways we try to achieve it.For instance, the lyric "See, that's the one for me. Look under 'Dickens' CFG, see if she'll speak to me. Hands get shaky, eyes can't see, having trouble find 5p 2171983" presents the theme of persistence and the fear of rejection. Here, the protagonist, in a desperate attempt to make a connection, is searching for phone numbers and struggling with his nerves. This theme highlights the universal fear of rejection and the anxiety that comes with putting oneself out there. It also hints at the idea that sometimes our search for meaning can blind us or make us lose sight of what is in front of us.The lyric "