The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is giving up everything for love, including changing her clothes daily, dealing with judgments from others, and hiding her true self with symbols like a tattoo and a silver armadillo. Despite her sacrifices, she is still seeking a certain kind of love and connection.

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Meaning of "Tattoo (Giving It All Up For Love)" by Phil Lynott


"Tattoo (Giving It All Up For Love)" seems to explore themes of sacrifice, self-expression, and the search for authentic connection. The woman in the lyrics is depicted as constantly changing herself and hiding parts of her true identity in order to please or fit in with others, symbolized by her daily clothes changes, tattoo, and silver armadillo. This could be seen as a commentary on societal expectations and the pressures individuals feel to conform, sacrificing their true selves in the pursuit of love or acceptance. The repetition of "giving it all up for love" emphasizes the idea of this woman losing parts of herself, perhaps in a misguided attempt to find love or validation. The lyrics also touch on the loneliness and alienation that can come from this kind of desperation for connection. The references to a unique technique for making the speaker (presumably the singer) "obsolete" suggest a sense of being pushed aside or overlooked in the pursuit of this idealized love. Overall, the song appears to delve into the complexities of identity, sacrifice, and the search for genuine connection in a world where superficiality often reigns.