In the Flat Field

Bauhaus' song 'In the Flat Field' delves into themes of existential boredom and the search for meaning in a monotonous and oppressive environment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist trapped in a metaphorical labyrinth, yearning for escape and stimulation. The opening lines, 'A gut pull drag on me / Into the chasm gaping we,' suggest a deep, almost visceral sense of being pulled into an abyss of ennui. The reference to Theseus and the labyrinth further emphasizes the feeling of being lost and searching for a way out, a common metaphor for existential crises.

The recurring refrain, 'I do get bored, I get bored / In the flat field,' underscores the central theme of the song. The 'flat field' symbolizes a barren, unchanging landscape, both literally and metaphorically, representing the protagonist's internal state of mind. This sense of boredom is not just a trivial complaint but a profound dissatisfaction with the lack of depth and meaning in life. The imagery of 'black matted lace of pregnant cows' and 'filing cabinet hemispheres spurn' adds to the surreal and disjointed atmosphere, reflecting the protagonist's fragmented thoughts and feelings.

The song also touches on themes of desire and escapism. Lines like 'Let me catch the slit of light / For a maiden's sake / On a maiden flight' suggest a longing for a fleeting moment of beauty or transcendence. However, this desire is quickly replaced by a more cynical view, as seen in 'Replace with Piccadilly whores / In my yearn for some cerebral fix.' The protagonist's search for meaning and stimulation leads to a cycle of temporary fixes and deeper dissatisfaction. The closing lines, 'Hammer me into blazen pain / Moulding shapes no shame to waste,' convey a sense of desperation and a willingness to endure pain for the sake of feeling something, anything, in the face of overwhelming boredom.