Placebo, the iconic British band, has long been hailed for their distinctive alternative rock sound, and the introspective, often provocative lyrics penned by frontman Brian Molko. Over more than two decades, the band’s lyrical prowess has touched on themes ranging from mental health to romantic turmoil, societal critique to individual struggles. Let’s take a closer look at 15 of the most memorable verses from their expansive discography.
“Pure Morning”: “A friend in need’s a friend indeed, a friend with weed is better / A friend with breasts and all the rest, a friend who’s dressed in leather.”
“Every You Every Me”: “Sucker love is known to swing, prone to cling and waste these things / Pucker up for heaven’s sake, there’s never been so much at stake.”
“Without You I’m Nothing”: “I’m unclean, a libertine, and every time you vent your spleen / I seem to lose the power of speech, your slipping slowly from my reach.”
“The Bitter End”: “Since we’re feeling so anaesthetised / In our comfort zone / Reminds me of the second time / That I followed you home.”
“Meds”: “Baby, did you forget to take your meds? / I was alone, staring over the ledge / Trying my best not to forget all manner of joy, all manner of glee / And our one heroic pledge.”
“Special Needs”: “Remember me when you clinch your movie deal / And think of me stuck in my chair that has four wheels / Remember me through flash photography and screams / Remember me, special dreams.”
“Song To Say Goodbye”: “You are one of God’s mistakes / You crying, tragic waste of skin / I’m well aware of how it aches / And you still won’t let me in.”
“Sleeping With Ghosts”: “The sea’s evaporated though it comes as no surprise / These clouds we’re seeing, they’re explosions in the sky / It seems it’s written but we can’t read between the line.”
“Too Many Friends”: “My computer thinks I’m gay / I threw that piece of junk away / On the Champs-Élysées / As I was walking home.”
“Teenage Angst”: “Shine the headlight, straight into my eyes / Like the roadkill, I’m paralysed / You see through my disguise / At the drive-in, double feature, pull the lever, break the fever and say your last goodbyes.”
“Nancy Boy”: “Alone in a crowd on a bus after work and I’m dreaming / The guy next to me has a girl in his arms / My arms are folded.”
“Black-Eyed”: “I was never loyal / Except to my own pleasure zone.”
“Running Up That Hill”: “You don’t want to hurt me, But see how deep the bullet lies / Unaware that I’m tearing you asunder.”
“Centrefolds”: “Come back to me awhile / Change your style again / Come back to me awhile / Change your taste in men.”
“Protect Me From What I Want”: “The hangover arrived as I knew it would / All bark and no bite / The pale morning sings of pain and second sight / If I could tear you from the ceiling.”
