Meaning of "This Unrest" by Siouxsie And The Banshees

The lyrics of "This Unrest" delve into the experience of internal struggle and discomfort. The unrest described can be interpreted as a representation of anxiety, unease, or psychological turmoil. The repetition of the phrase "This unrest" emphasizes the impact and weight of these feelings on the narrator. The imagery of disconnected thoughts jangling and tumorous flesh being cut through without anesthesia evokes a sense of chaos and pain. The discordant limbs and aimless walk symbolize a lack of control or direction in the narrator's life. The mention of pictures leaping out and laughing at the narrator suggests an overwhelming sense of self-consciousness or feeling judged.

The lyrics also touch upon bitterness and the feeling of aging. The bitterness closing in could refer to resentment or negative emotions consuming the narrator, leading them to feel old and worn out. The desire for peace and escape from troubling thoughts is juxtaposed with the intrusion of resurrecting doubts, suggesting that finding relief from inner unrest is challenging and elusive. The mention of a demanding "trusty friend" adds another layer to the meaning of the lyrics, possibly alluding to a familiar negative thought pattern or a toxic relationship that continues to affect the narrator's well-being.

The last lines of the lyrics introduce the theme of visions or intrusive thoughts that disrupt the narrator's daily life. These visions are described as jumping out and blasting the narrator's days clean away, further emphasizing the intrusive and disruptive nature of the unrest.

Overall, the lyrics of "This Unrest" explore the internal struggles and psychological turmoil experienced by the narrator. The imagery and metaphors used convey a sense of chaos, pain, and the difficulty of finding peace and stability amidst the unrest.