Big Stripey Lie Lyrics

Lyric discussion by philipheath 

Cover art for Big Stripey Lie lyrics by Kate Bush

To me, the big stripey lie is a soundwave profiling someone’s character, and the person in a relationship with the “lie” can’t see it, because it’s an unseen menace behind her. They have no idea they’re in danger. Maybe everyone else does see it, including the sacred things that fear the ruin of something holy and beautiful, and sometimes trumpet an alarm because they can’t communicate in words. The big stripey lie offers seductive and reassuring statements, but they are just superficial cover for a wild jungle full of danger, that gentle young souls are too innocent to recognise. The little waves, lacking the extreme highs and lows, represent more stable personalities who should run well clear of the big wavy line. Why it’s “stripey” I can’t guess: like a tiger predator perhaps, or some kind of calculating computer graphic, clever and coldly logical.

Positive
Subjective
Appreciation
Character Analysis
Danger Awareness
Deception
Innocence
Perception