Afterglow

The way I came to understand it is Shirley is talking about self esteem. The beginning of the song is talking about how you should perhaps live your life...be the center of the universe, the focus of the galaxy. Not of course, in an egotistical way. Sweep away the expectations that others force upon you but never forget who your enemies are. Almost like a receipe for success, something she has first hand experienced. Talking to your self, maybe your getting a little crazy how things are turning out, good or bad. You're stripping now for someone else falls into always looking for affection. We all want to be loved. We gravitate towards those who makes us feel sexy and valued. You've got to learn to love yourself, that's all that counts.

This song personally hit me hard. It's almost like she was singing just to me. Amazing that Shirley. She always knows the perfect thing to say.

I agree... I always thought it had something to do with prostitution!!

Didn't think about prostitution but simply about someone getting old and still trapped in the same illusions they've had all life regarding external things and expecattions of affection...then Shirley comes and tries to makes them see, as friend would.

This song is definitely about prostitution. It also says a lot about Shirley Manson probably..or either someone else like her/ So...when a young girl starts to rebel..being very sexually active..and..it goes on for all her life/and now..when she got much older..she just feels empty and depressing...she've made nothing in her life...she didnt leave a lasting mark...its like her whole life just went in into the garbage