Control

In 'Control' by 80's Child, the night is depicted as a realm of freedom and escape, contrasting sharply with the mundane and unremarkable daytime. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 'city light painted girl' who finds solace and identity in the nocturnal world. The night is described as flattering, a time when the protagonist feels alive and unrestrained. This duality between day and night highlights a common theme in music and literature: the night as a time for self-discovery and liberation from societal norms.

The recurring line 'You take my self, you take my self control' suggests a surrender to the night’s allure. The protagonist seems to lose their sense of self and control, living only for the night and its transient pleasures. This loss of control can be interpreted as both a positive and negative experience. On one hand, it represents a break from the constraints of daily life, allowing the protagonist to live freely. On the other hand, it hints at a deeper struggle with identity and purpose, as the night becomes a temporary escape rather than a solution.

The imagery of 'living among the creatures of the night' and 'the forest of my dream' adds a mystical and almost surreal quality to the song. These metaphors suggest that the night is not just a time of day but a different world altogether, filled with its own rules and inhabitants. The protagonist's resignation to the night, believing that 'tomorrow never comes,' underscores a sense of hopelessness and a desire to remain in this dreamlike state. The night, therefore, becomes both a sanctuary and a prison, offering temporary relief but no lasting fulfillment.