Meaning of "Barbed Wire Love" by Stiff Little Fingers

The song "Barbed Wire Love" by Stiff Little Fingers explores the theme of a toxic and damaging relationship. The narrator describes meeting someone in a desolate place, referred to as "No Man's Land," where they connect across the metaphorical barrier represented by barbed wire. Despite the initial excitement and infatuation, it becomes evident that their love is tangled and treacherous, just like the barbed wire. The lyrics depict the physical and emotional pain experienced in this relationship, using imagery such as being snagged by the wire and feeling the blow of booby traps. The mention of the "device in your pants" suggests a sexual aspect to the relationship, but it is portrayed in a negative light, emphasizing the destructive nature of their connection. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of entrapment, suffering, and disillusionment caused by the barbed wire love.