The lyrics describe the act of dressing up to hide and escape from reality, perhaps using it as a way to cope or as a form of self-expression. The repetition of the phrase "dressing up" alludes to creating a facade to deal with internal struggles, accompanied by a sense of going under and being unable to escape.

Meaning of "Dressing Up" by The Cure

The lyrics of "Dressing Up" by The Cure delve into the concept of escapism through dressing up and putting on various masks to navigate through life's difficulties. The repetition of the phrase "dressing up" could signify the idea of constructing a false identity to cope with personal issues or to shield oneself from emotional pain. The act of dressing up to kiss, touch, dance, and sleep may represent different aspects of attempting to find solace or distraction by engaging in pleasurable activities, almost as a form of self-medication against the challenges faced. The mention of being 'picked up again' at the end suggests a cycle of escaping reality only to return to it, hinting at a pattern of using temporary distractions as a way to avoid confronting deeper issues. Overall, the song portrays a poignant reflection on the complexity of escaping reality through superficial means, highlighting the struggle to find true solace amidst internal turmoil.