Baby Turns Blue

Virgin Prunes' song 'Baby Turns Blue' delves into the darker aspects of human existence, touching on themes of despair, mental illness, and societal pressures. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of individuals grappling with their inner demons and the external forces that push them to the brink. The opening lines, 'Mary be so proud, things that are not allowed / To take your own life, stab it with a knife,' immediately set a somber tone, highlighting the taboo and tragic nature of suicide. The imagery of being 'put in a box' and 'sent up to heaven' underscores the finality and societal judgment surrounding such acts.

The chorus, 'Oh what to do, not to feel and who are you / Give me money give me sex / Give me food and cigarette / What should we do if baby turns blue?' reflects a sense of existential confusion and the search for meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it. The repeated plea for basic needs and desires—money, sex, food, and cigarettes—suggests a desperate attempt to fill an emotional void. The question, 'What should we do if baby turns blue?' serves as a metaphor for a crisis or a turning point, where the 'baby' symbolizes innocence or a new beginning that is now in jeopardy.

The narrative continues with personal anecdotes of heartbreak and disillusionment. Lines like 'You broke my heart, it came in two / The faculties of a broken heart' convey the deep emotional pain and the struggle to make sense of it. The mention of 'John had a bomb and he lit it in his head / Went to bed for seventeen weeks / Took too many drugs now he don't eat' further illustrates the destructive paths individuals may take when overwhelmed by their circumstances. The recurring theme of being 'put in a box and sent up to heaven' serves as a grim reminder of the ultimate escape from suffering.

Virgin Prunes, known for their avant-garde and post-punk style, use 'Baby Turns Blue' to challenge listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about mental health, societal expectations, and the human condition. The song's raw and unfiltered lyrics, combined with its haunting melody, create a powerful and thought-provoking experience that resonates deeply with those who have faced similar struggles.