Meaning of "Small Time Shot Away" by Massive Attack

The lyrics of "Small Time Shot Away" convey a tumultuous and destructive relationship. The opening lines, "Took her in, dropped a line, turned me on, I travel, I travel," suggest that the narrator is initially attracted to this person and is drawn to them. However, it quickly becomes clear that the relationship is characterized by emotional detachment and a lack of warmth. The line "We never leave each other 'cause we leave each other so cold" indicates that although they are unable to truly connect, they also cannot completely separate. The phrase "Makes it melt away" hints at the temporary relief that comes with the dissolution of emotions, even though it carries a negative connotation.

The lyrics further explore the idea of war as a metaphor for the relationship, stating, "It's wartime every time, shot away." This can be interpreted as constant conflict between the two individuals involved, where each interaction becomes a battlefield. The line "You wipe the smile from your face, it's getting in the way" suggests that the narrator feels their own happiness or any positivity is hindered within this relationship. They are forced to suppress any genuine emotion, as it only makes the situation worse.

The chorus repeats the phrase "It's wartime every time, small talk every time" to emphasize the cyclical nature of their interactions. Here, small talk represents the superficial conversations they engage in, which serve as a distraction from the underlying issues. The lyrics also highlight the use of substances as a coping mechanism, with lines like "It's my favorite chloroform, It's pill talk every time." These substances function as a way to numb themselves and escape from the harsh reality of the relationship.

The line "Ricochet, we're like identical twins, sucking on the same teat, spitting out the same things" implies that the narrator and their partner are entwined and repeating the same patterns, much like twins who are inseparable. This highlights the idea that they are both responsible for the toxic dynamics within the relationship. The repeated phrase "shot away" may suggest that the narrator feels a sense of powerlessness and being propelled into destructive patterns, unable to break free.

Overall, "Small Time Shot Away" depicts a relationship consumed by emotional detachment, destructive patterns, and a constant sense of conflict. The lyrics delve into the cyclical nature of the relationship, the use of substances as an escape, and the inability to separate from one another.