Peek-a-boo

Siouxsie And The Banshees' song 'Peek-a-boo' delves into the shadowy corners of human nature and societal facades. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who navigates through life with a chameleon-like ability to adapt and manipulate. The imagery of 'creeping up the backstairs' and 'slinking into dark stalls' suggests a clandestine existence, one that thrives in secrecy and deception. This character, described as having 'many guises,' embodies the idea of someone who can be whatever others want them to be, highlighting themes of identity and performance.

The recurring refrain of 'Peek-a-boo' serves as a metaphor for the fleeting glimpses we get of someone's true self, hidden behind layers of pretense. The song's references to 'peepshow' and 'creepshow' evoke a sense of voyeurism and spectacle, suggesting that the character's life is on display for others to watch and judge. The line 'Reeking like a pigsty' and the mention of 'flaccid ego' point to the degradation and emptiness that lie beneath the surface glamour. This duality is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of 'jeering at the shadows' and 'sneering behind a smile,' indicating a deep-seated cynicism masked by a facade of charm.

The song's bridge, with its repeated question 'Where did you get those eyes?' alludes to the idea of perception and the gaze. It questions the origin of the character's ability to see and be seen in such a manipulative manner. The strobe lights and the imagery of a 'rag doll' being commanded to 'hit the floor' add a sense of disorientation and control, as if the character is both the puppet and the puppeteer in a twisted dance. Ultimately, 'Peek-a-boo' is a haunting exploration of the masks we wear and the dark truths that lie beneath them, wrapped in the band's signature gothic and post-punk sound.