Meaning of "Getting Away With It" by Electronic
The lyrics of "Getting Away With It" by Electronic delve into the theme of unrequited love and the feeling of being undeserving. The narrator of the song confesses to engaging in self-destructive behavior, walking in the rain deliberately just to suffer. This suggests that they have been intentionally seeking out pain as a form of validation or punishment. They also mention forcing themselves not to forget, indicating a struggle with moving on from past experiences. Despite all of this, the narrator claims that they have been "getting away with it all their life," implying that they have been successful in masking their inner turmoil from others.
The chorus reveals the central theme of the song: the narrator's unreciprocated love for someone. They state that it is evident that they love this person more than the person loves them. This unrequited love is a source of pain and insecurity, as expressed in the line, "I hate that mirror, it makes me feel so worthless." The mirror symbolizes self-reflection and the narrator's negative self-perception.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of the narrator being an "original sinner," suggesting a sense of guilt or shame. However, when they are with the person they love, they claim not to care about their flaws or past mistakes. This indicates that being with this person provides them with a sense of acceptance and freedom from self-judgment.
The lyric, "I thought I gave up falling in love a long long time ago," suggests that the narrator may have experienced heartbreak or disappointment in the past, leading them to become guarded and reluctant to open themselves up to love again. However, they admit that they still enjoy being in love but feel unable to fully express it to the person they are addressing.
In the final verse, the lyrics touch upon the narrator's internal struggle. They confess to talking to themselves and being self-focused, acknowledging their selfish tendencies. They also mention trying to impress others by adhering to societal expectations that "more is less." This line reveals their repressed emotions and the pressure they feel to conform. They conclude the song by reiterating their deep love for the person, emphasizing that it exceeds the affection the person has for them.