Present Tense Lyrics
This dance
Is like a weapon
Is like a weapon
Of self defense
Against the present
Against the present
The present tense
No don't get heavy
Keep it light and
Keep it moving
I am doing
No harm
Comes crashing down
I'll be dancing
Freaking out
In you I'm lost
Or the penny drops
I won't stop now
Won't slack off
Or all this love
Will be in vain
To stop from falling
Down a mine
It's no one's business but mine
Where all this love
Has been in vain
In you I'm lost
In you I'm lost
In you I'm lost
A song about heartbreak, and trying to deal with it. The line about distance being a weapon of self defense rings especially true for me (and yes, I believe it's distance, not "this dance").
In the end, the protagonist gives up and accepts that "in [her he's] lost", knowing that no matter how much he tries, he won't be able to avoid feeling down about his loss.
I always thought Thom was singing "Distance" at the very beginning instead of "This dance"
The rhythm and lyrics of the first part remind me of brazilian carnival. The alienation of someone during the party, leaving behind all the problems, dancing, not carying about anything, at some point not even listening to the music (Deaf, dumb, and blind) One of the most beautiful songs I've ever listened.