Meaning of Make Up To Break Up by Siouxsie and the Banshees

Siouxsie and the Banshees' song "Make Up To Break Up" is a powerful and introspective exploration of self-image and the masks we wear to hide our true selves. The song delves into the complex relationship between makeup and identity, highlighting the idea that we often use makeup as a means to cover up our flaws and insecurities, only for them to resurface in different ways.One standout lyric in the song is "Spots warts and blemishes, Deep receding crevices, Seem to disappear, With foundation on my face." This line speaks to the endless pursuit of perfection that many individuals find themselves trapped in. The theme here revolves around the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and the lengths we go to achieve a flawless façade. It suggests that people often rely on makeup as a means to hide their "imperfections" and create a false sense of self-assurance.Another important lyric is "Girls with eyes like swimming pools, Are the ones that I despise, 'Cause I need lots of color, To hide my bloodshot eyes." This verse delves into the envy and comparison that can arise when people perceive others as naturally beautiful, leading to feelings of inadequacy in oneself. The theme surrounding this lyric revolves around the concept of jealousy and the desire to match the perceived beauty of others.The line "Now comes the break up, From the make-up, Just like the devil's rain, C-c-colors run insane" carries an interesting theme that touches on the idea of breaking free from the masks and expectations we impose on ourselves. It suggests that the constant need to maintain a certain appearance through makeup can become suffocating, eventually leading to a breaking point where everything falls apart. The reference to the "devil's rain" adds an element of darkness and the idea of getting consumed by the pressure to conform.As the song progresses, it becomes increasingly intense, with lyrics such as "My face is cracking up, It's cracking up" and "My mouth a gaping gap, My eyes are shooting blood." These vivid and visually striking lines convey a sense of chaos and desperation. The themes here revolve around the breakdown of the carefully constructed image one has created through makeup. It explores the vulnerability that arises when the façade starts to crumble, revealing the true emotions and struggles beneath.The final verse, "My face is, my face is cracking up, My eyes are shooting blood, My mouth a gaping gap," ties back to the overarching theme of the song. It emphasizes the idea that relying on makeup as a means to mask one's insecurities eventually leads to the inevitable breakdown of self-image. The imagery of blood and physical distortion symbolizes the emotional pain and strain caused by hiding behind a mask for too long.In conclusion, Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Make Up To Break Up" unveils the intricate relationship between makeup, identity, and insecurity. The song explores themes such as the pressure to conform to beauty standards, envy, the breaking point of maintaining a façade, and the emotional toll it takes on an individual. Through powerful and imaginative lyrics, the song prompts listeners to reflect on their own relationship with beauty, identity, and the masks they wear in their everyday lives.