Meaning of "Mezzanine" by Massive Attack

The lyrics of "Mezzanine" by Massive Attack delve into themes of curiosity, desire for connection, and the longing for escape. The speaker is intrigued by the listener, particularly in crowded scenes, and is fascinated by the serenity of their friends and acquaintances. This fascination is followed by a desire for deeper connection and the hope that the listener will close their eyes and reinvent the speaker. There is a sense of yearning for the listener to acknowledge and reciprocate the speaker's feelings.

The mention of a heart made of stone indicates that the listener may be guarded or emotionally distant. The speaker expresses a longing for the listener to have let them know earlier about their emotional barriers. The desire to go "till morning comes" and to have more quality time together, specifically in the evenings and on weekends, suggests a craving for intimacy and undivided attention.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of escaping from the pressures and mundanity of everyday life. The mention of traffic growing and windows humming highlights the constant noise and busyness of the world. Spending time with the listener's friends during the week is contrasted with the desire for exclusive evenings and weekends with the speaker. This yearning for a deeper connection and escape from the everyday is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "all these outflows." This repetition suggests a desire for self-discovery, the release of flaws, and the potential for a more profound connection.

The song then shifts to a more introspective and metaphorical tone. The speaker describes the experience of watching one's name go by, suggesting a detached observation of one's own identity. The line "Not thicker than water, nor thicker than mud" implies a lack of close emotional bond between the speaker and the listener. The mention of the "eight k thuds" and the imagery of a thick sunset convey a sense of urgency and the desire for a quick resolution.

Overall, "Mezzanine" explores the themes of curiosity, desire for connection, escape, and self-discovery. It speaks to the yearning for a deeper and more intimate connection with someone and the longing to escape from the pressures and noise of everyday life. The repetition of the phrase "all these outflows" signifies the desire to let go of flaws, embark on a journey of self-discovery, and potentially find a more profound connection.