Meaning of "Degenerate" by The Jesus And Mary Chain

The lyrics paint a picture of a dysfunctional and toxic relationship, where both parties contribute to each other's self-destructive tendencies. The narrator describes a cycle of violence, drug abuse, and emotional turmoil, all of which are depicted as symptoms of a deeper darkness within themselves. The repeated references to a "darkened soul" suggest a sense of inner turmoil and alienation from oneself. The constant search for satisfaction through external vices like drugs and dangerous behavior reflects a lack of fulfillment and a desperate attempt to escape their own inner demons. The repetition of "My lover touched my darkened soul, My lover lit my darkened soul" highlights the power dynamics within the relationship, where the lover is both a source of destruction and illumination for the protagonist. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance of their fate, with the final line, "And now I know just where to go," indicating a sense of nihilism and fatalism.