Meaning of "Please Take" by Wire

The lyrics of "Please Take" delve into themes of betrayal, deception, and the desire to break free from a toxic relationship. The repeated plea for the knife to be taken out of the speaker's back highlights the deep emotional wounds caused by the actions of someone they once trusted. The use of imagery, such as a poisoned blade and a cosh of cash, conveys the insidious nature of the betrayal and manipulation experienced. The speaker's demand to not twist the knife further reveals their vulnerability and the pain they are already enduring. The lyrics also depict a sense of frustration and a need for boundaries to be established, as the speaker asserts their right to space and autonomy, pushing back against the suffocating presence of the other person. Overall, "Please Take" captures the mixture of hurt, anger, and a determination to break free from the cycle of deception and manipulation.