Motion Picture Soundtrack
Cigarettes After Sex
The Haunting Lament of 'Motion Picture Soundtrack'
The song 'Motion Picture Soundtrack' by Cigarettes After Sex is a poignant reflection on heartache and the struggle to cope with the end of a relationship. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and a desire to return to a past love, using substances and distractions as a means to an end. The mention of 'white wine and sleeping pills' and 'cheap sex and sad films' suggests attempts to numb the pain and fill the void left by a lost connection. These methods, however, are portrayed as temporary and ultimately unfulfilling, as they are merely aids to 'get back to your arms' or 'get where I belong.'
The repeated line 'I think you're crazy, baby' can be interpreted as a conflicted sentiment, possibly reflecting the artist's view of their former partner's behavior or their own feelings in the aftermath of the breakup. The phrase 'Stop sending letters, letters always get burned' further emphasizes the finality of the separation and the futility of trying to rekindle the relationship. The comparison to 'the movies' and 'little white lies' suggests disillusionment with the unrealistic expectations set by romantic films, which often contrast starkly with the complexities of real-life relationships.
The closing line 'I will see you in the next life' is particularly evocative, hinting at a resignation to the permanence of the breakup while still holding onto a sliver of hope for a reunion, perhaps in a metaphorical or spiritual sense. This line encapsulates the melancholic acceptance that pervades the song, as the artist comes to terms with the end of the relationship and the enduring impact it has had on their life.