The Three Shadows (Part II)

Bauhaus' 'The Three Shadows (Part II)' is a haunting exploration of societal decay and personal torment. The lyrics are dense with metaphors and cultural references, painting a grim picture of the human condition. The song opens with a call to 'classic gentlemen' to say their prayers to the 'wind of prostitution,' suggesting a world where moral corruption is rampant. The mention of 'Rex complexes' and 'Oedipus Rex complexes' alludes to deep-seated psychological issues and power struggles, hinting at the Freudian concept of the Oedipus complex, where unresolved childhood conflicts manifest in adulthood.

The imagery of 'riddle my breast full of the oppressed puss' is visceral and disturbing, symbolizing the festering wounds of societal oppression. The 'gentlemen with your fish' could be interpreted as a critique of those in power who surround themselves with sycophants and use their influence to control and manipulate. The repeated assertion that 'I will always exist because I always exist' speaks to a sense of enduring suffering and resilience, a recognition of the perpetual nature of these societal ills.

The song takes a darker turn with the 'rat race' and 'fat face stings,' evoking the relentless competition and superficiality of modern life. The chilling image of holding a 'fresh pink baby with a smile' only to 'slice off those rosy cheeks' underscores a sense of lost innocence and the destructive impulses that can arise from deep-seated dissatisfaction. Bauhaus, known for their gothic rock style, uses these stark, unsettling images to challenge listeners to confront the darker aspects of human nature and society.