Should be "Docility rocks the masts," in keeping with the series of nautical metaphors in the chorus. Also "my moorings," which may seem a minor discrepancy: but that small word makes it clearer these lines refer to Peter--not "the reader"--feeling himself slip away from the dock.
Admirably clear, particular compared to the song which follows. "Should the World Fail to Fall Apart" (the song) is almost impenetrable; it does seem to be attempting to communicate something, though who knows what. Interesting how both tracks refer to "the reader," as if Murphy sees himself in the role of a novelist more than a songwriter.
"[I could] Present a fear and laugh at you/Leave you lost unsure removed" -- he's attempting to turn his back on the techniques he used while in Bauhaus. Also becoming aware of the pitfalls inherent in using his "pretty face" to sell songs; the face becomes the only thing which really matters.
If there's any connection with the Mishima novel whose title he borrows, I can't imagine what it might be. Though it provides a useful image to represent his effort to confess: for having once worn a mask, hoping it would help him achieve slick success. Which might refer to his work in Bauhaus being less emotionally candid, relying on cryptic morbid imagery to evoke a response. Or simply the "mask" of hiding behind his own pretty face.
Give him credit for the attempt at introspection, seeking public expiation for earlier faults. Later, Murphy--especially in "The Answer is Clear"--aims bitter (albeit usually dead-on-target) potshots at former bandmate Daniel Ash. Which would come across as more self-serving, if not for this song's self-critique.
Should be "Docility rocks the masts," in keeping with the series of nautical metaphors in the chorus. Also "my moorings," which may seem a minor discrepancy: but that small word makes it clearer these lines refer to Peter--not "the reader"--feeling himself slip away from the dock.
Admirably clear, particular compared to the song which follows. "Should the World Fail to Fall Apart" (the song) is almost impenetrable; it does seem to be attempting to communicate something, though who knows what. Interesting how both tracks refer to "the reader," as if Murphy sees himself in the role of a novelist more than a songwriter.
"[I could] Present a fear and laugh at you/Leave you lost unsure removed" -- he's attempting to turn his back on the techniques he used while in Bauhaus. Also becoming aware of the pitfalls inherent in using his "pretty face" to sell songs; the face becomes the only thing which really matters.
If there's any connection with the Mishima novel whose title he borrows, I can't imagine what it might be. Though it provides a useful image to represent his effort to confess: for having once worn a mask, hoping it would help him achieve slick success. Which might refer to his work in Bauhaus being less emotionally candid, relying on cryptic morbid imagery to evoke a response. Or simply the "mask" of hiding behind his own pretty face.
Give him credit for the attempt at introspection, seeking public expiation for earlier faults. Later, Murphy--especially in "The Answer is Clear"--aims bitter (albeit usually dead-on-target) potshots at former bandmate Daniel Ash. Which would come across as more self-serving, if not for this song's self-critique.