Creep

The Pretenders' rendition of 'Creep' delves deep into the feelings of alienation and self-loathing. The song opens with the narrator's inability to look someone in the eye, immediately setting a tone of inferiority and unworthiness. The person they are addressing is described as angelic and special, highlighting a stark contrast between the narrator's perception of themselves and the object of their admiration. This disparity is further emphasized by the repeated refrain, 'But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo,' which underscores the narrator's profound sense of not belonging.

The lyrics also touch on the desire for control and perfection. The narrator expresses a longing for a perfect body and soul, which can be interpreted as a yearning for self-improvement or acceptance. This desire is coupled with the pain of feeling unnoticed and unimportant, as seen in the lines, 'I want you to notice when I'm not around.' The repeated wish to be 'special' like the person they admire suggests a deep-seated insecurity and a struggle with self-worth.

The song's climax, where the subject 'runs out again,' can be seen as a metaphor for the unattainable nature of the narrator's desires. Despite their yearning and efforts, they are left feeling out of place and unworthy. The closing lines, 'Whatever makes you happy, whatever you want,' indicate a resignation to the fact that they cannot change their situation or themselves to fit in. This resignation is a poignant reflection of the universal human experience of feeling like an outsider, making 'Creep' a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt out of place or unworthy.