Meaning of "This Tension" by Johnny Marr

"This Tension" delves into the internal conflict of balancing one's emotions and intellect. The speaker describes themselves as a "conceptual son with an intellectual gun," implying a sense of power and control over their feelings. However, they also acknowledge the weight of their emotions, feeling overawed and in need of "existensual healing." The constant need to keep up with the fast-paced world and stay ahead of the curve is represented by the references to being ahead of their time and a private enterprise. The repeated refrain of "Gotta get on to the future" conveys a sense of urgency and the pressure to keep moving forward. Overall, the song captures the struggle of reconciling internal emotional turmoil with the external demands of society.