Meaning of "Boy Division" by My Chemical Romance

The lyrics of "Boy Division" delve into themes of self-destructiveness and the desire for escape. The song opens with a question of loyalty and asks if someone would stand by the singer even in the midst of their enemies. The lyrics then explore a sense of voyeurism as the singer asks if they would watch tragic events unfold on television, selling their own happiness for the singer's burden. The concept of buying a casket gown and stalking malls and airports suggests a preoccupation with death and a longing for attention. The chorus expresses a desire to be taken away from this self-destructive mindset, hoping for salvation. The lyrics also touch on the feeling of being misunderstood and misrepresented, with the line "I'm not dead, I only dress that way." This may allude to the idea that the singer's inner pain is not visible to others and they are often misunderstood. The mention of California in the lyrics could symbolize a desired escape or a place associated with hope and dreams. The repeated line "We got the bomb, let's go" may signify a desire for a radical change or a break from the monotony of their current situation. Overall, "Boy Division" explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and the longing for freedom from self-destructive tendencies.