Pattern

The Last Shadow Puppets' song 'Pattern' delves into the complexities of nighttime introspection and the cyclical nature of personal struggles. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a restless night, where the protagonist is haunted by past actions and the relentless passage of time. The opening lines, 'Come down tapping on the glass / As I lock the passenger door,' suggest an attempt to shut out external influences, only to find that the turmoil has already infiltrated their mind. This sets the stage for a night filled with anxiety and self-reflection, as indicated by 'Last night got a hold of me / I can’t wrestle free from my head.'

The recurring imagery of slipping and sliding 'like a spider on an icicle' evokes a sense of being trapped in a precarious and frozen state, unable to move forward or find stability. This metaphor highlights the protagonist's struggle to break free from their patterns of behavior and thought. The mention of 'a girl around the corner still / Trying to change my mind' introduces an element of external temptation or distraction, further complicating the protagonist's internal battle.

The song also personifies midnight as a powerful force, 'Midnight has got the hots for me / And I’m about to be / Born again,' suggesting a cyclical rebirth that occurs each night. This personification of midnight as an almost seductive, overpowering entity underscores the idea that the protagonist is caught in a loop of nocturnal introspection and emotional turmoil. The repeated phrase 'Love hearts heavy in her hands / Oh no not again!' emphasizes the weight of recurring regrets and the difficulty of breaking free from established patterns. Ultimately, 'Pattern' captures the essence of the human experience of grappling with one's inner demons and the perpetual quest for self-improvement and peace.