The Dark of the Matinee Lyrics

Lyric discussion by automatom 

Cover art for The Dark of the Matinee lyrics by Franz Ferdinand

For me this song is about an anxious, maybe socially awkward, lost soul who hates everything (maybe because he hates himself?). He fancies a girl at school (and even fantasises about her) When he finally meets her he offloads his hatred thinking they may share common ground, but then she counters all his negative thoughts with a positive outlook. She tells him to concentrate on the things he does like, and that's the way to fully enjoy life.

Suddenly his mind is wondering, he's happy, he's successful, he's 'made it' (talking to Terry Wogan). The anxiety has gone, his confidence has grown, he's found his voice (My words and smile are so easy now).

The chorus is about wanting to bunk off school and go to a matinee with said girl.

I think this song is all about how a good woman can change a man's life.

My Interpretation