Meaning of "Self Control" by Laura Branigan

The lyrics of "Self Control" delve into the idea of surrendering to one's desires and losing control. The night is presented as a seductive and enticing world, filled with city lights and painted pearls that serve as a temporary escape from reality. The daytime is seen as unimportant, while the night is praised for its ability to flatter and provide a sense of freedom. By engaging in this nocturnal lifestyle, the protagonist allows someone else to take their self-control, implying a form of submission and dependency.

The repetition of the phrase "You take my self, you take my self control" emphasizes the surrender and loss of agency experienced by the protagonist. They are willing to abandon their own identity and live solely for the night, relinquishing responsibility and obligations that come with the daytime. This surrender offers a temporary relief from the hardships of life and allows the protagonist to live in the moment without overthinking or questioning their actions.

However, there is a sense of resignation and a lack of will to confront the future. The lyrics express a lack of motivation and determination to fight against the unknown. The line "Against a new tomorrow, so I guess I'll just believe it, that tomorrow never comes" suggests a pessimistic perspective, where the protagonist finds comfort in denial and chooses to live in a state of perpetual darkness. The night becomes a safe haven, a forest of dreams where reality is distorted, and personal beliefs are formed to maintain the illusion that this night will never end.

Overall, the lyrics of "Self Control" highlight the struggle between losing oneself to the allure of the night and the resignation that comes with relinquishing self-control. The song portrays the night as a complex realm that offers both freedom and confinement, providing a temporary escape from the realities of life but also trapping the protagonist within their own desires.