Highly Strung

Spandau Ballet's song "Highly Strung" delves into the dramatic transformation of a character named Little Jo. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who has undergone a significant change, shifting from a composed diplomat to someone who is mentally and emotionally unraveling. The phrase "highly strung" is a metaphor for her heightened state of anxiety and stress, suggesting that she is on the verge of a breakdown. The song's narrative explores the impact of external pressures and internal struggles on her mental health, highlighting how she has become almost unrecognizable to those who once knew her well.

The lyrics describe Little Jo's descent into a state of constant agitation and distress. Once a diplomat, a role that implies a certain level of poise and control, she is now found at a laundromat, a mundane and unglamorous setting that symbolizes her fall from grace. The line "they washed her mind" suggests that she has been subjected to some form of manipulation or brainwashing, leading to her current fragile state. The imagery of her stepping out on a ledge with a gun against her and being wired up to blow conveys a sense of imminent danger and desperation, emphasizing the severity of her condition.

The song also touches on the theme of isolation. Little Jo no longer communicates with the narrator, who expresses a sense of helplessness and sorrow. Her inability to accept sympathy indicates a deep-seated struggle that she feels she must face alone. The repeated refrain of "highly strung" underscores the relentless pressure she is under, making it clear that her mental state is precarious. Through its poignant lyrics and evocative imagery, "Highly Strung" offers a powerful commentary on the fragility of the human psyche and the devastating effects of mental and emotional strain.