Meaning of "Tattoo" by Siouxsie And The Banshees

The lyrics of "Tattoo" by Siouxsie And The Banshees delve into the concept of using tattoos as a form of self-expression and empowerment in the face of loneliness and vulnerability. The repeated image of being alone in the middle of the floor watching the door suggests a sense of isolation and uncertainty, which is reflected in the desire to be tattooed on the inside as a way to fortify oneself. The description of a stomach split in half by a surgeon's cutting art evokes a visceral and intense image, perhaps symbolizing the internal turmoil and pain that can come from feeling exposed and vulnerable. Overall, the lyrics convey a longing for protection and strength in the face of inner and outer struggles, with tattoos serving as a form of self-assertion and defiance.