Venus

Television's song 'Venus' is a vivid exploration of surreal experiences and self-discovery, wrapped in poetic and enigmatic lyrics. The song opens with a description of a 'tight toy night' and 'streets so bright,' setting a scene that feels both tangible and dreamlike. The world is described as 'so thin between my bones and skin,' suggesting a heightened sense of awareness and sensitivity. The protagonist encounters another person who is equally surprised by the vibrancy of the world, indicating a shared sense of wonder and discovery.

The recurring reference to falling 'right into the arms of Venus de Milo' serves as a powerful metaphor. Venus de Milo, the ancient Greek statue, symbolizes beauty and love, but also incompleteness due to its missing arms. This duality reflects the protagonist's experience of falling into something beautiful yet imperfect. The lyrics suggest a sense of euphoria and heightened perception, likening the experience to 'some new kind of drug.' The imagery of Broadway looking 'so medieval' and flapping 'like little pages' adds to the surreal, almost hallucinogenic quality of the narrative.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's journey becomes more introspective. The line 'I knew there was pain, but pain is not aching' suggests a philosophical understanding of suffering, distinguishing between physical pain and emotional or existential discomfort. The mention of dressing up 'like cops' introduces a playful yet rebellious element, but the protagonist ultimately decides against it, guided by an inner voice. The final lines, where the protagonist stands up and walks out of the arms of Venus de Milo, signify a moment of clarity and self-assertion, moving away from the surreal embrace of the statue and stepping back into reality.