In The Night

Bauhaus' song 'In The Night' delves into the haunting and grim realities of a person's descent into despair and self-destruction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man sitting alone in the night, reflecting on his life and the choices that have led him to this point. The repetition of 'you never know' underscores the unpredictability and uncertainty of life, as well as the hidden struggles that people face. The imagery of 'no more cans, no more crime' suggests a past filled with substance abuse and criminal activity, now replaced by a haunting stillness and introspection.

The song's protagonist is depicted as a ghostly figure, moving lightly and almost imperceptibly through the night. This ethereal quality is contrasted with the stark reality of his physical and emotional pain. The lines 'He's slowly lipping into the slime' and 'blood and guffooze out and stain' evoke a sense of decay and corruption, both internal and external. The protagonist's indifference to his own suffering ('cares not that he really bleeds') highlights a deep sense of hopelessness and resignation. The mention of 'death not hell is what he needs' suggests that he sees death as a release from his torment, rather than a punishment.

The final verses of the song reveal the protagonist's ultimate act of self-destruction. The imagery of 'his wrist on the razor slides' is a stark and powerful depiction of suicide. The 'subjective pics of misled youth' and 'the dreadful truth' before him suggest a life filled with regret and missed opportunities. The song's dark and brooding atmosphere is characteristic of Bauhaus' gothic rock style, which often explores themes of existential angst and the darker aspects of the human experience. 'In The Night' serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden struggles that many people face and the devastating consequences of unchecked despair.