Is it worth considering that "dum dum" only means "stupid" in American English? There are other meanings in British English, one being a hollow point bullet that expands upon impact, to cause more damage. And a "dummy" in Brit-English is a pacifier (as in a dummy nipple/fake nipple), which would make sense in terms of the prostitute analogy: she's a fake lover/substitute for a "real" girl. Just a few thoughts. The band was English after all.
Of course "dum dum" is also frequently used in lyrics in the same way "la la" is used, as a sound filler... The use of "the" before the refrain seems to belie that intent here however.
@mindy11234 Sorry, meant to mention that "dummy" as in "pacifier" is frequently changed to "dumdum" in the vernacular. So, "pacifier' would be a more common British meaning than "stupid person." Especially in the '80s when there wasn't as much slang crossover. I think I've got to go with that interpretation, as it fits the lyrics. Calling a prostitute "stupid" would just be cruel and I've got to believe that a lyricist as socially plugged-in (or "woke" as the kids say today) as Mark Hollis would have a more sympathetic take on the circumstances that might lead a...
@mindy11234 Sorry, meant to mention that "dummy" as in "pacifier" is frequently changed to "dumdum" in the vernacular. So, "pacifier' would be a more common British meaning than "stupid person." Especially in the '80s when there wasn't as much slang crossover. I think I've got to go with that interpretation, as it fits the lyrics. Calling a prostitute "stupid" would just be cruel and I've got to believe that a lyricist as socially plugged-in (or "woke" as the kids say today) as Mark Hollis would have a more sympathetic take on the circumstances that might lead a girl (or bloke) to take up such a profession.
Is it worth considering that "dum dum" only means "stupid" in American English? There are other meanings in British English, one being a hollow point bullet that expands upon impact, to cause more damage. And a "dummy" in Brit-English is a pacifier (as in a dummy nipple/fake nipple), which would make sense in terms of the prostitute analogy: she's a fake lover/substitute for a "real" girl. Just a few thoughts. The band was English after all.
Of course "dum dum" is also frequently used in lyrics in the same way "la la" is used, as a sound filler... The use of "the" before the refrain seems to belie that intent here however.
@mindy11234 Sorry, meant to mention that "dummy" as in "pacifier" is frequently changed to "dumdum" in the vernacular. So, "pacifier' would be a more common British meaning than "stupid person." Especially in the '80s when there wasn't as much slang crossover. I think I've got to go with that interpretation, as it fits the lyrics. Calling a prostitute "stupid" would just be cruel and I've got to believe that a lyricist as socially plugged-in (or "woke" as the kids say today) as Mark Hollis would have a more sympathetic take on the circumstances that might lead a...
@mindy11234 Sorry, meant to mention that "dummy" as in "pacifier" is frequently changed to "dumdum" in the vernacular. So, "pacifier' would be a more common British meaning than "stupid person." Especially in the '80s when there wasn't as much slang crossover. I think I've got to go with that interpretation, as it fits the lyrics. Calling a prostitute "stupid" would just be cruel and I've got to believe that a lyricist as socially plugged-in (or "woke" as the kids say today) as Mark Hollis would have a more sympathetic take on the circumstances that might lead a girl (or bloke) to take up such a profession.