The Circus

Erasure's song 'The Circus' delves into the disillusionment and despair experienced by the working class in the face of technological advancement and economic shifts. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where new technology, rather than being a beacon of progress, is used to 'burn' and exploit, showing no concern for the individuals it displaces. The 'big wheels' of industry continue to turn, but the workers are left behind, unable to keep up with the rapid changes. This sense of abandonment is further emphasized by the lines 'Don't upset the teacher / Though we know he lied to you,' suggesting a betrayal by those in positions of authority who were supposed to guide and protect them.

The chorus, 'And it's a shame / That you're so afraid / Just a worker waiting in the pouring rain / Putting back the pieces of a broken dream,' captures the essence of the song's melancholy. It speaks to the fear and helplessness of the workers, who are left to pick up the shattered remnants of their aspirations. The imagery of waiting in the pouring rain underscores the bleakness of their situation, highlighting the relentless and unforgiving nature of their reality.

The song also reflects on the loss of identity and purpose that comes with the decline of traditional industries. The lines 'Father worked in industry, / Now the work has moved on / And the factory's gone' lament the disappearance of stable, meaningful work that once provided a sense of belonging and pride. The repeated refrain 'There was once a future / For a working man / There was once a lifetime / For a skillful hand' serves as a poignant reminder of what has been lost. 'The Circus' is a powerful commentary on the human cost of economic and technological progress, and the enduring struggle to reclaim a sense of dignity and hope in the face of adversity.