Submission by The Sex Pistols Lyrics Meaning – A Dive into Punk’s Subversive Depths
Lyrics
I feel the way you were going
I pictured you up on my TV screen
I feel your undercurrent flowing
Submission going down down
Dragging me down
Submission I can’t tell ya what I’ve found
You’ve got me pretty deep baby
I can’t figure out your watery love
I gotta solve your mystery
You’re setting it out in heaven above
Submission going down down
Dragging me down
Submission I can’t tell ya what I’ve found
For there’s a mystery
Under the sea
And an octopus rock
Under the water
Submission going down down
You’re dragging me down
Submission I can’t tell ya what I’ve found
An underwater secret
Baby! oh, share it!
I’m on a submarine mission for you baby
I feel the way you were going
I pictured you up on my TV screen
I feel your undercurrent flowing
Submission I’m going down down
Dragging me down
Submission I can’t tell ya what I’ve found
What I’ve found
Submission
Submission
Submission
I’m falling down
You’re dragging me down
Under the sea
At first glance, The Sex Pistols’ ‘Submission’ might seem like another anarchic entry from the godfathers of punk. Yet, a submarine is barely a chaotic symbol, and the song’s watery descent is not just a literal journey but a metaphorical dive into complex emotional landscapes. This track, submerged in veiled lyrics and a raw, driving beat, requires a closer inspection to unearth its true essence.
Beyond the surface-level interpretation as merely another punk rock anthem, ‘Submission’ holds a multi-layered message about power dynamics, emotional evasion, and the quest for understanding in relationships. It’s a musical enigma that invites listeners to look beneath the waves of punk’s aggressive exterior to discover a world rich with interpretative treasure.
Punk’s Hidden Depths: ‘Submission’ as Social Commentary
Amidst the charged atmosphere of the late 1970s, The Sex Pistols thrived on confronting societal norms with a rebellious sneer. In ‘Submission,’ their critique extends to relational dynamics, using the metaphor of a submarine navigating treacherous waters. Much like a vessel plunging into the abyss, relationships can be fraught with unknowns and the peril of sinking under the crushing pressure of expectations.
The repetition of ‘going down down’ and the sensation of ‘dragging me down’ isn’t just a physical depiction of submersion; it’s a representation of the often-overwhelming experience of giving oneself over to love, desire, or even ideological submission. This calls into question the traditional power structures within relationships, suggesting a willingness, albeit dubious, to immerse oneself fully at significant risk.
A Thematic Voyage: Unpacking the Oceanic Imagery
The song’s symbolic use of oceanic imagery – submarines, undercurrents, mysteries beneath the waves – serves as a perfect allegory for exploring the depths of human emotion. The song hovers in a state of suspense and anticipation, a liminal space between the known surface and the unfathomable beneath, paralleling the complexity of digging into the subconscious.
When lead singer Johnny Rotten croons about the ‘mystery under the sea’ and ‘an octopus rock,’ he’s tapping into the psyche’s enigmatic nature. These lines evoke a sense of exploration into unknown territories of both physical and emotional realms. The submerged narrative speaks to the obscured portions of our being and the murky waters of interpersonal relations.
Against the Tide: Interpretations of ‘Watery Love’
The phrase ‘watery love’ conjures images of something diluted and lacking firmness. In the context of ‘Submission,’ it’s possible to interpret this as a commentary on the fluidity of love and attraction, which can be as difficult to grasp as water slipping through one’s fingers. The song’s protagonist seeks to solve the ‘mystery’ of this ambiguous affection, which is as perplexing as any deep-sea enigma.
Furthermore, the mention of ‘heaven above’ contrasts the immersion motif and creates a paradox of love’s duality: it’s an ethereal force capable of inflicting pain by pulling one downward. It’s a call to brave the uncharted waters of emotional intimacy while acknowledging the potential hazards associated with such a journey.
Crushing Pressure: The Subtle Cry for Clarity
When Johnny Rotten belts out ‘Submission I can’t tell ya what I’ve found,’ there’s a raw frustration directed at the elusiveness of truth. The song’s narrative reaches a critical point where discovery remains elusive, and the protagonist’s mission to unearth the secrets of emotional submission might just be as futile as attempting to lay bare the deepest ocean’s secrets.
This refrain is a recognition of the complexities of understanding and articulating the intricacies of human connection – how often we dive headfirst into relationships hoping for clarity, only to find ourselves in even murkier waters. The insistent repetition underscores the nagging yearning for closure in a journey that provides anything but.
Memorable Lines That Linger Like Deep Sea Echoes
‘An underwater secret, Baby! oh, share it!’ captures the song’s essence, as it is both a plea and a declaration. This line is the keystone, a direct appeal for openness and exchange while knowing that some aspects of humanity might remain perpetually obscure, hidden deep beneath the surface, eluding even the most passionate pleas for revelation.
‘I feel your undercurrent flowing’ also stands out – metaphorically resonant and musically striking. It’s indicative of the Invisible forces at play in human relationships, the emotional currents that define and complicate the way we interact. These lines ring through the song, and through punk history, as unforgettable calls to acknowledge and brave the depths of our own internal oceans.
