Brick Shithouse
Placebo
The Haunting Presence of Regret in 'Brick Shithouse'
Placebo's 'Brick Shithouse' is a raw and intense exploration of regret, jealousy, and the haunting presence of past relationships. The term 'brick shithouse' is a colloquial expression often used to describe someone who is physically imposing and intimidating. In the context of the song, it seems to symbolize a person who has left a significant and perhaps destructive impact on the narrator's life.
The repetitive lines 'Don't you wish you'd never met her?' suggest a deep sense of regret and longing for a different past. This refrain underscores the emotional turmoil and the lingering pain of a relationship that has gone awry. The narrator seems to be addressing both themselves and possibly the new lover, questioning the choices that led to this point of emotional distress.
The lyrics 'Now your lover went and put me in the ground, I'll be watching when he's around' evoke a sense of being metaphorically buried by the actions of a former lover. This line suggests a feeling of being overshadowed or replaced, yet still remaining a silent observer of the ongoing relationship. The haunting presence is further emphasized by the line 'When you cum you never make a single sound,' indicating a sense of detachment and emotional numbness in the current relationship.
Placebo, known for their androgynous image and dark, introspective lyrics, often delve into themes of love, pain, and identity. 'Brick Shithouse' is no exception, offering a gritty and visceral portrayal of the emotional scars left by past relationships and the haunting presence of regret that follows.