Peek-A-Boo

Devo's 'Peek-A-Boo' is a song that delves into themes of surveillance, self-awareness, and the unsettling nature of being constantly watched. The lyrics play with the childhood game of peek-a-boo, but in a much more sinister context. The repeated lines 'I can see you' and 'I know what you do' suggest an omnipresent observer who is always aware of the subject's actions. This creates a sense of paranoia and discomfort, as the subject is never truly alone or free from scrutiny.

The song also touches on the idea of self-awareness and the duality of human nature. The line 'I know what you do, cause I do it too' implies that the observer and the observed are not so different from each other. This could be interpreted as a commentary on how people often project their own behaviors and insecurities onto others. The playful yet eerie tone of the song adds to the overall feeling of unease, making the listener question the boundaries between reality and perception.

Additionally, the lyrics 'The way that we weren't is what we'll become' suggest a transformation or a loss of innocence. This could be seen as a critique of how society changes individuals, often stripping them of their authenticity and making them conform to certain norms. The song's repetitive structure and the use of the phrase 'Peek-a-boo!' serve to reinforce the cyclical nature of these themes, making it clear that the game of surveillance and self-awareness is never-ending.