Lyric discussion by jonathan6z 

Cover art for Eurochild lyrics by Massive Attack

The whole thing reminds me of racial issues in South London and elsewhere in the UK.

Especially if their use of "Helter Skelter" is in reference to Charles Manson's idea of an apocalyptic race war, which would fit both here and in Protection, where "living Helter Skelter" more likely means living in a world governed by race, rather than a Beatles song or lighthouse-looking structure.

"Hell is round the corner where I shelter Isms and schisms we're living helter skelter" That screams low-income urban neighborhood.

"Chased by the planet Haunted by the medium"

I've also heard "Chased by the plaintiff" which still works for what I'm about to say. Basically, the feeling that fingers are pointed at you, like the media, and either by the "planet" where it feels like everyone, or the "plaintiff" regarding law.

Also, I feel like "I'm looking out for no-one" might also be them trying to fit "Looking out for number-one" within the phrase's beats. "Looking out for No.1"

"If you believe I deceive then common sense says shall you receive" If you treat me like a criminal, that's exactly what I'll become.

"I seem to need reference to get residence A reference to your preference to say I'm a good neighbour" People being less trustworthy of blacks. No problems when a white guy moves in, but as a black man, you need references to vouch for you not being a "thug."

"Take a second of me you beckon I'll be And when you're sad I'll mourn And when you tear I'm torn" Take a second and look at me as a human being. I feel like you, empathize like you.

To me, if you listen to it in a racial context, the lyrics just come together.

My Interpretation

@jonathan6z yes according to massive.ie the word is plantiff, not planet. I also think the name 3D sismissively calls himself when he's being critiqued as a dj is stax, not stags. The verse falls in with the intro of "You look at me like some kind of a total stranger" meaning that the people who hear his music and identify intimately with can't even recognise him, what's in his eyes, or spirit, they just see his exterior.