Meaning of "Mad Jack" by The Chameleons

The lyrics of "Mad Jack" by The Chameleons seem to depict a dark and manipulative individual who represents the darker aspects of human nature. The character of Mad Jack is portrayed as someone who preys on others' vulnerabilities and thrives on causing chaos and madness. The references to holding people tight and "masturbating the madness" in them suggest a sense of control and manipulation, perhaps exploring themes of power dynamics and psychological manipulation. The lyrics also touch upon themes of deceit and falsehood, with Mad Jack being unable to hide his blatant lies behind his frightened eyes. The repeated references to Jack walking on water and always being right could be interpreted as a commentary on the fallibility of human perception, suggesting that even those who appear god-like are not infallible. Furthermore, the references to discussing madness in different parts of the world, like America and Africa, could be a commentary on the universal nature of madness and chaos, transcending geographical boundaries. Overall, "Mad Jack" seems to be a cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulation, deceit, and the darker sides of human nature.