Crank

Catherine Wheel's song 'Crank' delves into the complexities of the human mind, exploring themes of perception, reality, and the struggle for clarity. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is deeply introspective, caught in a web of their own thoughts and superstitions. The opening lines, 'Love my superstitious games / Running circles round my brain when I'm left smiling,' suggest a fascination with the mind's ability to create its own reality, even if it is based on irrational beliefs or thoughts. This sets the stage for a journey through the psyche, where the protagonist grapples with their own mental constructs.

The recurring use of the word 'crank' serves as a multifaceted metaphor. On one hand, it can be seen as a self-deprecating term, acknowledging the eccentricity or unconventional nature of the protagonist's thoughts. On the other hand, 'crank' also implies a sense of empowerment and clarity, as evidenced by the lines 'Crank, my conscience clear.' This duality is further emphasized by the imagery of a 'canopy of steel' and 'chrome protection,' which symbolize a constructed sense of reality that offers both security and confinement. The protagonist's mind is both a fortress and a prison, a place of refuge and a source of turmoil.

The song also touches on the idea of identity and self-perception. The repeated plea to be called 'crank' reflects a desire for acceptance and understanding of one's true self, even if that self is complex and contradictory. The lines 'In this small partition, like a prison / Explode time bomb / If you know where I come from' hint at a deeper, perhaps hidden, aspect of the protagonist's identity that is on the verge of breaking free. This tension between the internal and external worlds, between perception and reality, is at the heart of 'Crank,' making it a compelling exploration of the human condition.