Out Of Mind

The Cure's song 'Out Of Mind' delves into the chaotic and disorienting experience of mental distress. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has been awake for days, feeling like a 'menagerie' and a 'laboratory rat inside a maze.' These metaphors suggest a sense of being trapped and overwhelmed by one's own thoughts and emotions. The imagery of 'scratching 'til I bleed' and 'seeing imaginary lemurs in the street' further emphasizes the protagonist's struggle with hallucinations and a deteriorating mental state.

Despite the turmoil, there is a glimmer of hope in the repeated lines 'as long as I can breathe, then I know I'll be OK' and 'as long as I can see it, then I know I'll be ok.' These lines suggest that the protagonist is clinging to basic, tangible signs of life and reality to maintain a sense of stability. The refrain 'I'm out of mind, I'm out of sight' reflects a desire to escape from the overwhelming mental chaos, to become invisible and detached from the distressing experiences.

The Cure, known for their post-punk and gothic rock style, often explore themes of existential angst, emotional pain, and introspection in their music. 'Out Of Mind' is no exception, capturing the raw and unfiltered experience of mental anguish. The song's intense and repetitive structure mirrors the relentless nature of the protagonist's thoughts, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience. The invitation to 'come and watch me shake tonight' and 'come and watch me break tonight' reveals a vulnerability and a cry for understanding, highlighting the isolating and often misunderstood nature of mental health struggles.