Self Control

Raf's song 'Self Control' delves into the dichotomy between day and night, exploring themes of escapism, identity, and the seductive allure of the nocturnal world. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the night as a realm where the protagonist feels most alive and free, contrasting sharply with the mundane and inconsequential nature of daytime. The night is described as a world of 'city life' and 'painted girls,' suggesting a vibrant, almost surreal environment where societal norms are loosened, and personal inhibitions are cast aside.

The recurring line 'you take my self, you take my self-control' underscores a sense of surrender to the night and its temptations. The protagonist admits to living 'only for the night,' indicating a deep-seated need to escape from the responsibilities and expectations of the day. This surrender is not just to the night itself but also to the personas and experiences it brings. The night becomes a metaphor for a dreamlike state where the protagonist can forget their 'role' and live in the moment, free from the constraints of reality.

The song also touches on the internal conflict of the protagonist, who acknowledges that 'life is not as it would seem' and yet chooses to believe in the illusion that 'this night will never go.' This reflects a deeper existential struggle, where the night offers a temporary refuge from the inevitability of 'a new tomorrow.' The protagonist's lack of will to 'try and fight' against the coming day suggests a resignation to the cyclical nature of life, where each night offers a fleeting escape but ultimately gives way to the dawn. Through its evocative lyrics and haunting melody, 'Self Control' captures the tension between the desire for freedom and the inescapable pull of reality.