Meaning of Tenant by Siouxsie and the Banshees

The song "Tenant" by Siouxsie and the Banshees is a haunting and mysterious journey into the lives of tenants, exploring themes of secrecy, isolation, and the constant surveillance that comes with living in close proximity to others. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hidden world, where tenants go about their nocturnal habits, crawling into corners and ignoring any callers. Let's dive deeper into the various standout lyrics and the imaginative themes they help develop.One of the most intriguing lyrics in the song is "And imagine our radiators clang for our neighbors." This line suggests that the tenants find solace in the noise created by their radiators. It speaks to the idea of finding comfort in shared experiences, even if those experiences are merely the sounds of everyday life. The theme here is the need for connection, however small or indirect, as a way to combat the isolation that can come with living in close quarters.Another standout lyric is "When we crawl on all fours upon the cushioned floor, still they cling to the walls and knock on our doors." This imagery portrays a sense of intrusion and invasion of privacy. The tenants are constantly subjected to the presence of others, as if their every move is being watched. This theme explores the lack of personal space that often accompanies living in apartments or communal settings. It touches upon the idea that living in such an environment can make one feel like a caged animal, constantly observed and without control over their own domain.The line "The paint is cracked and the paper peels, the plaster falls and a body reels softly" suggests a decaying and neglected environment. This visual imagery serves as a metaphor for the emotional state of the tenants. The theme here is the fragile and delicate nature of human existence. Just as the physical surroundings are falling apart, so too are the inner lives of the tenants. The deteriorating environment mirrors their inner turmoil, emphasizing the profound impact that living conditions can have on one's well-being.A particularly intriguing lyric is "On lawnmower groan, the carpet has grown." This unexpected juxtaposition of a lawnmower sound with the carpet growing creates a surreal image. It speaks to the theme of stagnation and the passage of time. In the context of the song, it signifies the metaphorical growth of mundane routines and the repetition that becomes deeply ingrained in the lives of the tenants. Each day feels like an endless circuit, like the monotonous hum of a lawnmower, and the carpet spreading symbolizes a life becoming choked with familiarity and stagnation.The song also explores the theme of secrecy, as highlighted in the line "They have eyes at the keyholes and ears at the walls." This lyric evokes a sense of constant surveillance and paranoia. It suggests that the tenants are always on edge, aware that their actions are being monitored by their neighbors. The theme of secrecy delves into the lengths people go to protect their privacy and maintain a sense of personal autonomy in an environment where boundaries are blurred.In conclusion, "Tenant" by Siouxsie and the Banshees takes listeners on a dark journey into the lives of tenants. Through its evocative lyrics, the song explores various themes such as the need for connection, intrusion of privacy, emotional decay, stagnation, and secrecy. Each lyric adds depth and imagination to the overarching theme of the song, resulting in a captivating and thought-provoking piece of music that invites listeners to reflect on the complex dynamics of communal living.