Mask

Bauhaus' song 'Mask' delves into the complex and often dark themes of identity, transformation, and the masks we wear in society. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 'man of shadows' who is trapped in a suffocating existence, surrounded by iron and plastic, symbolizing the rigid and artificial constraints of modern life. The 'chiselled slits for eyes' suggest a lack of true vision or understanding, as if the person is merely a hollow shell, devoid of genuine emotion or insight.

The song continues to explore the idea of communication and expression, or rather the lack thereof. The 'rack-trapped cubist vowels' and 'dummy head expression' evoke a sense of frustration and futility, as if the individual is struggling to convey their true thoughts and feelings. This imagery suggests a disconnect between the inner self and the outer world, where genuine communication is stifled by societal expectations and superficial interactions.

The transformation mentioned in the lyrics is both mysterious and shameful, indicating a profound change that is both intriguing and unsettling. The line 'while the thing I am becomes something else' captures the essence of this metamorphosis, where the individual is caught between their true self and the persona they present to the world. This duality is a central theme in 'Mask,' highlighting the tension between authenticity and the roles we play in our daily lives. The final line, 'the shadow is cast,' serves as a powerful reminder of the lingering impact of these transformations, as the shadow of our true selves continues to follow us, even as we wear our masks.