Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Controversial Classic
Lyrics
Guess what’s happening now?
Well
Whoa, oh
Well
Now
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to go to it
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to come
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to come
When you want to come
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to to go to it
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to come
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to come
Ah, ah, ah
Come oh, oh, oh
But shoot it in the right direction (hey-hey-hey-yeah)
Make making it your intention (ooh-yeah, ooh-yeah)
Live those dreams
Scheme those schemes
Got to hit me (hit me)
Hit me (hit me)
Hit me with those laser beams
Ow, ow, ow, laser beam me
Ah, ah, ah
One, two
Relax
Don’t do it
Relax
When you want to come
Come, ah, woo
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
I’m comin’, I’m comin’, hey, hey, hey, hey hey
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to go to it
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to come
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don’t do it (love)
When you want to come
When you want to come
When you want to come
Come-huh
Ow, ow
Ow, ow, ow, yeah
You see her, feel it
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to go to it
Relax, don’t do it (oh-oh)
Relax, don’t do it
When you want to suck it, chew it
Relax, don’t do it
One sound when it’s time to come (hey)
Come
In the pantheon of the 1980s’ synth-pop giants, few tracks have the instantaneous recognition and continued cultural resonance as ‘Relax’ by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Released in 1983, the song immediately raised eyebrows and pulses with its pulsating beat, provocative lyrics, and an equally controversial music video. Yet, its true meaning has been a topic of debate and is often shrouded in mystery and misinterpretation.
Navigating through the haze of the era’s censorship and the rebellious spirit of the burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement, ‘Relax’ emerges as an anthem that transcends mere titillation. It is a complex tapestry woven with societal commentary, sexual liberation, and the relentless pursuit of pleasure. Through the guise of a club hit, Frankie Goes to Hollywood invited an unsuspecting audience to confront their taboos.
Unwrapping the Enigma: The True Pulse of ‘Relax’
‘Relax’ is a masterclass in dualities, mixing the exuberance of vibrant melodies with an undercurrent of subversive messaging. On the surface, the song is a thunderous dance track, invigorating and seemingly straightforward—a call to hedonistic surrender with its repetitive chorus. But beneath that accessible veneer lies a profound contemplation of control and release, a song not just about sexual climax but about the tension and release that characterize human desires.
Interpreted by many as a bold directive towards sexual release, the lyrics ‘Relax, don’t do it, when you want to come’ serve as both a literal and metaphorical statement. Like many lyrical works of the time flirting with risqué content, ‘Relax’ challenges the listener to consider when and how society dictates and suppresses natural human impulse, cleverly packaged within a chorus that defies you not to sing along.
Breaking Boundaries: A Track Ahead of Its Time
Though the song’s meaning may at first read unequivocal, ‘Relax’ as an entity is far from simplistic. It pushed boundaries in more than just its lyrics; it carved out a niche for pop music as a vehicle for social and sexual commentary. Frequently misunderstood, the song’s brash engagement with taboo material gave it a notoriety that often overshadowed its narrative sophistication and artistry.
During its release, ‘Relax’ was banned by the BBC for its explicit content, which only fanned the flames of fascination and popularity. This censorship echoed the struggles of a generation battling for self-expression, and the song became an incidental anthem for the movement towards more open and honest discussions about sexuality.
Laser Beams of Satire: The Mockery in Modulation
While many focus on the steamy directives of the lyrics, the mention of ‘laser beams’ cuts through as a satirical element. In an era fascinated by futuristic symbolism, Frankie Goes to Hollywood weaponized technology as a metaphor for precision and control. ‘Hit me with those laser beams’ might read as a humorous insertion, but it’s in line with the song’s underlying defiance—zapping away societal restraints and liberating the individual from societal norms.
The term ‘laser beams’ also embodies the piercing gaze of public scrutiny and the desire to harness a concentrated energy towards change—a double entendre speaking to both the individual’s internal struggle and the broader societal conflict playing out in real time.
The Decadent Chorus: Unpacking the Infamous Directive
The song’s chorus is not only memorable but acts as the epicenter for its misunderstood wisdom. ‘Relax, don’t do it, when you want to come’ can be seen as advocating for patience, control, and the art of delaying gratification. Within a culture increasingly obsessed with immediacy and excess, ‘Relax’ posits an alternative perspective: the power and pleasure found in restraint and intent.
Mirroring this, the music itself counterpoints between frenzied and calm—echoing the oscillation between yearning and self-control. Herein lies Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s sleight of hand: ‘Relax’ is at once a dance command and a subliminal message supporting autonomy over one’s choices and desires.
The Sonic Boom That Echoed Across Generations
To this day, ‘Relax’ resonates with audiences, not just as a relic of synth-pop excellence but as a touchstone for change. Its driving beat and provocative lyrics continue to influence music and conversations surrounding the intertwining of pop culture and personal liberty. ‘Relax’ isn’t frozen in time; it pulses, provokes, and propels itself forward through every listener it empowers.
The track’s legacy is nuanced, complex, and defiantly proud. From its initial reception to its ongoing cultural sway, ‘Relax’ stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of its era—a song that fought against censorship, celebrated individuality, and commanded us all to dare to dictate the rhythm of our lives.
