Meaning and Lyrics of Mr. Self Destruct by Soft Cell
Song Lyrics meaning ofΒ Mr. Self Destruct by Soft Cell
About Soft Cell
Soft Cell is an English synth-pop duo formed in 1979, consisting of Marc Almond and Dave Ball. They rose to fame in the early 1980s with their hit song βTainted Love,β which became a classic in the electronic music genre. Soft Cellβs music is known for its unique and dark sound, often exploring themes of love, lust, and urban life.
One of Soft Cellβs lesser-known tracks is Mr. Self Destruct, a haunting and gritty song that showcases their edgy and experimental style. The duoβs music has had a lasting influence on the electronic music scene, and they are considered pioneers of the synth-pop genre.
Meaning of Mr. Self Destruct by Soft Cell
βMr. Self Destructβ by Soft Cell delves into the themes of inner conflict, self-destructive behavior, and the struggle with personal demons. The song seems to narrate the story of a character who is a dreamer but is unable to escape the destructive patterns in their life. The lyrics depict someone who is rough around the edges, confrontational, and unwilling to conform to societal norms.
The character portrayed in the song appears to have a troubled past, with mention of being tough at a young age but also suffering significant setbacks. The repeated references to causing pain and responding aggressively to challenges suggest a volatile personality that thrives on conflict.
There is a recurring motif of looking into othersβ eyes and perfecting lies, indicating a facade that the character maintains to shield themselves from introspection and criticism. The lyrics suggest a lack of introspection, with the character quick to retaliate and unwilling to confront the reasons behind their actions.
The song also touches on the theme of escapism through drugs (βThe stuff is freeβ) and the cycle of building up oneβs life only to tear it down again. This could symbolize a pattern of self-sabotage or a quest for temporary relief from internal struggles.
Overall, βMr. Self Destructβ paints a picture of a complex individual grappling with their own demons, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, and seemingly trapped in a cycle of aggression and denial.
The character portrayed in the song appears to have a troubled past, with mention of being tough at a young age but also suffering significant setbacks. The repeated references to causing pain and responding aggressively to challenges suggest a volatile personality that thrives on conflict.
There is a recurring motif of looking into othersβ eyes and perfecting lies, indicating a facade that the character maintains to shield themselves from introspection and criticism. The lyrics suggest a lack of introspection, with the character quick to retaliate and unwilling to confront the reasons behind their actions.
The song also touches on the theme of escapism through drugs (βThe stuff is freeβ) and the cycle of building up oneβs life only to tear it down again. This could symbolize a pattern of self-sabotage or a quest for temporary relief from internal struggles.
Overall, βMr. Self Destructβ paints a picture of a complex individual grappling with their own demons, engaging in self-destructive behaviors, and seemingly trapped in a cycle of aggression and denial.
Lyrics of Mr. Self Destruct by Soft Cell
Always the dreamer
But never the dead
You had a rocky road mapped out somewhere in your head
Anyone in your way
Was a spike in your side
With one hand in the wallet
You took them for the ride
You could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
You should have seen you when you were 18
You were the toughest little fβ¦
I've ever seen
And with each downfall you turned 10 foot tall
The biggest kick in the balls you've ever been
And Dr Diablo's on his rounds again
Looking for blame
And you know that he'll diagnose pain again
Yeah pain again
Narrow the sorrow
Sick of the slick
Of the doors of discovery you had your pick
If they hit on you
Then you hit right back
Never keeping their cool
It was up and attack
You could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
Whoa you're feeling so torrid today
Life has gone wild
No one blocks out the way
You even look good β so they say
A new lease of life flowed through your body today
(not that looks are all to go by β but anyway)
Shooting the A, Shooting the A, Shooting the A
The stuff is free
And you can now go to town
Building your life up and smashing it down
Building your life up and smashing it down
You couldn't escape from this fact of life
That existing makes you a mess
But every decision or feeling or reason
Causes some sort of mental distress
Your could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
Leave the cool for the fool
Leave the cool for the fool
Leave the cool for the fool
Leave the cool for the fool
Hey hey
You couldn't escape from this fact of life
That existing makes you a mess
But every decision or feeling or reason
Causes some sort of mental distress
Your could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
Hey
Building your life up (shooting the A, shooting the A)
And smashing it down
Building your life up (shooting the A, shooting the A)
And smashing it down
Building your life up (shooting the A, shooting the A)
And smashing it down
But never the dead
You had a rocky road mapped out somewhere in your head
Anyone in your way
Was a spike in your side
With one hand in the wallet
You took them for the ride
You could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
You should have seen you when you were 18
You were the toughest little fβ¦
I've ever seen
And with each downfall you turned 10 foot tall
The biggest kick in the balls you've ever been
And Dr Diablo's on his rounds again
Looking for blame
And you know that he'll diagnose pain again
Yeah pain again
Narrow the sorrow
Sick of the slick
Of the doors of discovery you had your pick
If they hit on you
Then you hit right back
Never keeping their cool
It was up and attack
You could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
Whoa you're feeling so torrid today
Life has gone wild
No one blocks out the way
You even look good β so they say
A new lease of life flowed through your body today
(not that looks are all to go by β but anyway)
Shooting the A, Shooting the A, Shooting the A
The stuff is free
And you can now go to town
Building your life up and smashing it down
Building your life up and smashing it down
You couldn't escape from this fact of life
That existing makes you a mess
But every decision or feeling or reason
Causes some sort of mental distress
Your could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
Leave the cool for the fool
Leave the cool for the fool
Leave the cool for the fool
Leave the cool for the fool
Hey hey
You couldn't escape from this fact of life
That existing makes you a mess
But every decision or feeling or reason
Causes some sort of mental distress
Your could look in their eyes
You perfected a lie
Never gave them the chance to question why
If they hit on you
Then you slammed them right back
To hell with the cool
It was up and attack
Hey
Building your life up (shooting the A, shooting the A)
And smashing it down
Building your life up (shooting the A, shooting the A)
And smashing it down
Building your life up (shooting the A, shooting the A)
And smashing it down
Discography Soft Cell
![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Non-Stop-Erotic-Cabaret-Deluxe-Edition_cover.jpg)
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (Deluxe Edition)
Release: 2023-10-20
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
1. Frustration β Remastered 2023
2. Tainted Love β Remastered 2023
3. Seedy Films β Remastered 2023
4. Youth β Remastered 2023
5. Sex Dwarf β Remastered 2023
6. Entertain Me β Remastered 2023
7. Chips On My Shoulder β Remastered 2023
8. Bedsitter β Remastered 2023
9. Secret Life β Remastered 2023
10. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Remastered 2023
11. Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go? β Extended Version
12. Memorabilia β Single Version / Remastered 2023
13. A Man Could Get Lost β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
14. Persuasion β 2023 Edit / Remastered 2023
15. Where Did Our Love Go? β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
16. Facility Girls β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
17. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β 7β³ Single Version / Instrumental / Remastered 2023
18. Fun City β Edit / Remastered 2023
19. Tainted Love β Aborted 1981 Studio Take
20. Frustration β 2023 Extended Version
21. Tainted Love β Dave Ball 2021 Extended Mix
22. Seedy Films β 2023 Extended Version
23. Youth β Dave Ball Wasted On The Young Mix
24. Sex Dwarf β 2023 Extended Version
25. Entertain Me β 2023 Extended Version
26. Chips On My Shoulder β Extended Mix
27. Bedsitter β Extended Version
28. Secret Life β Extended Mix
29. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Dave Ball Lateral Mix
30. Memorabilia β Extended Version
31. A Man Could Get Lost β 2023 Extended Version
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Tainted Love β Remastered 2023
3. Seedy Films β Remastered 2023
4. Youth β Remastered 2023
5. Sex Dwarf β Remastered 2023
6. Entertain Me β Remastered 2023
7. Chips On My Shoulder β Remastered 2023
8. Bedsitter β Remastered 2023
9. Secret Life β Remastered 2023
10. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Remastered 2023
11. Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go? β Extended Version
12. Memorabilia β Single Version / Remastered 2023
13. A Man Could Get Lost β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
14. Persuasion β 2023 Edit / Remastered 2023
15. Where Did Our Love Go? β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
16. Facility Girls β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
17. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β 7β³ Single Version / Instrumental / Remastered 2023
18. Fun City β Edit / Remastered 2023
19. Tainted Love β Aborted 1981 Studio Take
20. Frustration β 2023 Extended Version
21. Tainted Love β Dave Ball 2021 Extended Mix
22. Seedy Films β 2023 Extended Version
23. Youth β Dave Ball Wasted On The Young Mix
24. Sex Dwarf β 2023 Extended Version
25. Entertain Me β 2023 Extended Version
26. Chips On My Shoulder β Extended Mix
27. Bedsitter β Extended Version
28. Secret Life β Extended Mix
29. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Dave Ball Lateral Mix
30. Memorabilia β Extended Version
31. A Man Could Get Lost β 2023 Extended Version
![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Nostalgia-Machine-The-Remixes_cover.jpg)
Nostalgia Machine (The Remixes)
Release: 2023-09-08
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
1. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Extended Remix)
2. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Dub)
3. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Remix Edit)
4. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix)
5. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix Dub)
6. Nostalgia Machine (Full Length)
7. Nostalgia Machine (Manhattan Clique Dub Remix)
8. Nostalgia Machine (2023 Radio Edit)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Dub)
3. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Remix Edit)
4. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix)
5. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix Dub)
6. Nostalgia Machine (Full Length)
7. Nostalgia Machine (Manhattan Clique Dub Remix)
8. Nostalgia Machine (2023 Radio Edit)
![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Non-Stop-Erotic-Cabaret-.-And-Other-Stories-Live_cover.jpg)
Non Stop Erotic Cabaret ... And Other Stories (Live)
Release: 2023-05-19
Label: LiveHereNow
1. Torch β Live
2. Bruises On All My Illusions β Live
3. Happy Happy Happy β Live
4. Monoculture β Live
5. Heart Like Chernobyl β Live
6. Nostalgia Machine β Live
7. Kitchen Sink Drama β Live
8. Where the Heart Is β Live
9. Divided Soul β Live
10. LβEsqualita β Live
11. Martin β Live
12. The Art of Falling Apart β Live
13. Frustration β Live
14. Tainted Love β Live
15. Seedy Films β Live
16. Youth β Live
17. Sex Dwarf β Live
18. Entertain Me β Live
19. Chips On My Shoulder β Live
20. Bedsitter β Live
21. Secret Life β Live
22. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Live
23. Purple Zone β Live
24. Memorabilia β Live
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Bruises On All My Illusions β Live
3. Happy Happy Happy β Live
4. Monoculture β Live
5. Heart Like Chernobyl β Live
6. Nostalgia Machine β Live
7. Kitchen Sink Drama β Live
8. Where the Heart Is β Live
9. Divided Soul β Live
10. LβEsqualita β Live
11. Martin β Live
12. The Art of Falling Apart β Live
13. Frustration β Live
14. Tainted Love β Live
15. Seedy Films β Live
16. Youth β Live
17. Sex Dwarf β Live
18. Entertain Me β Live
19. Chips On My Shoulder β Live
20. Bedsitter β Live
21. Secret Life β Live
22. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Live
23. Purple Zone β Live
24. Memorabilia β Live
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![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/artistpicture/Soft-Cell-bfb088e5-a10a-4cfb-83fd-2196693c7ceb.jpg)
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![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Non-Stop-Erotic-Cabaret-Deluxe-Edition_cover.jpg)
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret (Deluxe Edition)
Release: 2023-10-20
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
l
1. Frustration β Remastered 2023
2. Tainted Love β Remastered 2023
3. Seedy Films β Remastered 2023
4. Youth β Remastered 2023
5. Sex Dwarf β Remastered 2023
6. Entertain Me β Remastered 2023
7. Chips On My Shoulder β Remastered 2023
8. Bedsitter β Remastered 2023
9. Secret Life β Remastered 2023
10. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Remastered 2023
11. Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go? β Extended Version
12. Memorabilia β Single Version / Remastered 2023
13. A Man Could Get Lost β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
14. Persuasion β 2023 Edit / Remastered 2023
15. Where Did Our Love Go? β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
16. Facility Girls β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
17. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β 7β³ Single Version / Instrumental / Remastered 2023
18. Fun City β Edit / Remastered 2023
19. Tainted Love β Aborted 1981 Studio Take
20. Frustration β 2023 Extended Version
21. Tainted Love β Dave Ball 2021 Extended Mix
22. Seedy Films β 2023 Extended Version
23. Youth β Dave Ball Wasted On The Young Mix
24. Sex Dwarf β 2023 Extended Version
25. Entertain Me β 2023 Extended Version
26. Chips On My Shoulder β Extended Mix
27. Bedsitter β Extended Version
28. Secret Life β Extended Mix
29. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Dave Ball Lateral Mix
30. Memorabilia β Extended Version
31. A Man Could Get Lost β 2023 Extended Version
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Tainted Love β Remastered 2023
3. Seedy Films β Remastered 2023
4. Youth β Remastered 2023
5. Sex Dwarf β Remastered 2023
6. Entertain Me β Remastered 2023
7. Chips On My Shoulder β Remastered 2023
8. Bedsitter β Remastered 2023
9. Secret Life β Remastered 2023
10. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Remastered 2023
11. Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go? β Extended Version
12. Memorabilia β Single Version / Remastered 2023
13. A Man Could Get Lost β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
14. Persuasion β 2023 Edit / Remastered 2023
15. Where Did Our Love Go? β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
16. Facility Girls β 7β³ Single Version / Remastered 2023
17. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β 7β³ Single Version / Instrumental / Remastered 2023
18. Fun City β Edit / Remastered 2023
19. Tainted Love β Aborted 1981 Studio Take
20. Frustration β 2023 Extended Version
21. Tainted Love β Dave Ball 2021 Extended Mix
22. Seedy Films β 2023 Extended Version
23. Youth β Dave Ball Wasted On The Young Mix
24. Sex Dwarf β 2023 Extended Version
25. Entertain Me β 2023 Extended Version
26. Chips On My Shoulder β Extended Mix
27. Bedsitter β Extended Version
28. Secret Life β Extended Mix
29. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Dave Ball Lateral Mix
30. Memorabilia β Extended Version
31. A Man Could Get Lost β 2023 Extended Version
![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Nostalgia-Machine-The-Remixes_cover.jpg)
Nostalgia Machine (The Remixes)
Release: 2023-09-08
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
l
1. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Extended Remix)
2. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Dub)
3. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Remix Edit)
4. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix)
5. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix Dub)
6. Nostalgia Machine (Full Length)
7. Nostalgia Machine (Manhattan Clique Dub Remix)
8. Nostalgia Machine (2023 Radio Edit)
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Dub)
3. Nostalgia Machine (Hifi Sean Remix Edit)
4. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix)
5. Nostalgia Machine (Wally Funk Remix Dub)
6. Nostalgia Machine (Full Length)
7. Nostalgia Machine (Manhattan Clique Dub Remix)
8. Nostalgia Machine (2023 Radio Edit)
![](https://songminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Non-Stop-Erotic-Cabaret-.-And-Other-Stories-Live_cover.jpg)
Non Stop Erotic Cabaret ... And Other Stories (Live)
Release: 2023-05-19
Label: LiveHereNow
l
1. Torch β Live
2. Bruises On All My Illusions β Live
3. Happy Happy Happy β Live
4. Monoculture β Live
5. Heart Like Chernobyl β Live
6. Nostalgia Machine β Live
7. Kitchen Sink Drama β Live
8. Where the Heart Is β Live
9. Divided Soul β Live
10. LβEsqualita β Live
11. Martin β Live
12. The Art of Falling Apart β Live
13. Frustration β Live
14. Tainted Love β Live
15. Seedy Films β Live
16. Youth β Live
17. Sex Dwarf β Live
18. Entertain Me β Live
19. Chips On My Shoulder β Live
20. Bedsitter β Live
21. Secret Life β Live
22. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Live
23. Purple Zone β Live
24. Memorabilia β Live
Tracklist
Collapse
2. Bruises On All My Illusions β Live
3. Happy Happy Happy β Live
4. Monoculture β Live
5. Heart Like Chernobyl β Live
6. Nostalgia Machine β Live
7. Kitchen Sink Drama β Live
8. Where the Heart Is β Live
9. Divided Soul β Live
10. LβEsqualita β Live
11. Martin β Live
12. The Art of Falling Apart β Live
13. Frustration β Live
14. Tainted Love β Live
15. Seedy Films β Live
16. Youth β Live
17. Sex Dwarf β Live
18. Entertain Me β Live
19. Chips On My Shoulder β Live
20. Bedsitter β Live
21. Secret Life β Live
22. Say Hello, Wave Goodbye β Live
23. Purple Zone β Live
24. Memorabilia β Live