The Spy in the Cab

Nothing to do with taxis , it refers to the tachograph in a truck the "cab" being the cabin of the truck, the tachograph recording drivers speed and hours automatically.. lyrics make sense when you apply that.. on a broader note its a general twist on the big brother watched mechanical soul less machinary theme. great sone though..

I think they're using taximeters as a metaphor for authority in general. Who the hell should have the right to decide what should be punishable by law?

This is one of their greatest songs. It seems to be somewhat 1984 with a twist of Kafka's The Trial. The most striking thing about this song is how well the music personifies the creepy feeling of being watched by what is essentially automata. As general theme Bauhaus appears to explore the madness of civilization. It seems to be connected to songs like "The Silent Hedges". I feel like I've been this person being watched by a mindless entity that still has authority over me. As well I've always felt a subtle reference to God... But a terrible mindless God. Still one of the top 10.

sounds as if its about the little taximeter that calculates one's fare in the taxicab

it tells you how much money you have to be in a taxi

oops i mean, the song is about the machine that tells you how much you have to pay in a taxi...im so stoned right now

i think it's more about tachographs more than taxi meters

It seems to be in reference to a taxi-cab's token system. It times how long you've been riding, and when it's time for you to get off, you pay the amount calculated in miles by the taxi cab's counter. Though it could be a reference to something else.

I think this song is talking about the social structures, not literally about a taxi cab. The line that really tips me is "an eye for an eye".

It's just a surreal picture that defines goth rock. The pulp is the point. Fascism and taxis may be the deeper connection.