Self Control

Laura Branigan's 'Self Control' is a song that encapsulates the allure and dangers of the nocturnal lifestyle, highlighting the dichotomy between day and night. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where the night is alive with possibilities, a stark contrast to the mundane reality of daytime. Branigan sings about the city lights and the 'painted girl,' suggesting a persona that comes to life after dark, one that is perhaps more daring and unrestrained than her daytime counterpart.

The chorus of 'Self Control' is a powerful admission of the singer's vulnerability to the temptations of the night. The repeated line 'You take my self, you take my self control' can be interpreted as the night itself, or a personification of someone or something that embodies the night, taking away the singer's self-control. This loss of self-control is not entirely unwelcome, as it allows the singer to live for the moment, to exist only for the night, even though she acknowledges that by morning, the story of the night will have been told, implying consequences or a return to reality.

The song also delves into the theme of escapism, with the singer admitting to living 'among the creatures of the night' and not having the will to fight against a new tomorrow. This suggests a resignation to the cycle of night and day, where the night offers a dreamlike escape from the responsibilities waiting in the daylight. The metaphor of living in 'the forest of my dream' indicates a desire to stay in a fantasy world, a place where the night never ends. Branigan's 'Self Control' is a vivid portrayal of the seductive power of the night and the human desire to sometimes let go and be swept away by its promises, even if it means losing oneself in the process.