Secretly

Skunk Anansie's song 'Secretly' delves into the complex emotions of unspoken desires and hidden feelings. The lyrics reveal a narrative of someone who has been harboring secret lust and affection for a friend. The protagonist has been 'biding their time' and 'subtly kind,' indicating a long period of suppressed emotions. The line 'I've got to think so selfishly, 'cause you're the face inside of me' suggests an internal struggle between maintaining a facade of friendship and the intense, selfish desire for something more.

The song further explores the tension between outward appearances and inner feelings. The protagonist has been a 'friend with unbiased views,' yet secretly harbors lustful feelings. This duality is a common human experience, where societal norms and personal ethics often clash with raw, unfiltered emotions. The lyrics 'You're talking out sexually 'bout boys & girls & your freakin' dreams' highlight the discomfort and confusion that arise when the object of one's affection discusses their own sexual desires and fantasies, further complicating the protagonist's feelings.

As the song progresses, the narrative shifts to a sense of betrayal and realization. The lines 'You wanna do someone else, so you should be by yourself, instead of here with me, secretly' capture the moment of clarity where the protagonist acknowledges that their friend is not reciprocating their feelings and is instead interested in others. This realization leads to a sense of being 'busted' and 'feeling used,' emphasizing the emotional toll of unrequited love and the pain of hidden desires. The repetition of 'secretly' at the end underscores the ongoing secrecy and the unresolved nature of these emotions, leaving the listener with a poignant sense of longing and unfulfilled desire.