For a master of deception and subterfuge
You’ve made yourself quite the bed, to lie in
Do your time traveling through the tanning booth
So you don’t let the sun catch you crying
So predictable, I know what you’re thinking
My teeth are beating and my knees are weak
It’s as if there’s something up with the wiring
You can poke your head behind the mountain peak
It don’t have to mean that you’ve gone into hiding
So predictable, I know what you’re thinking
I’m watching your every move
I feel the tears are coming on
It won’t be long
It won’t be long
Straight from the cover shoot
There’s still a trace of body paint
On your legs and on your arms and on your face
And I’m keeping on my costume
And calling it a writing tool
And if you’re thinking of me
I’m probably thinking of you
There’s still a trace of body paint
On your legs and on your arms and on your face
There’s still a trace of body paint
On your legs and on your arms and on your face
There’s still a trace of body paint
On your legs and on your arms and on your face
There’s still a trace of body paint
On your legs and on your arms and on your face
So predictable, I know what you’re thinking
Ooh, hah, yeah
Unveiling Layers: Exploring the Meaning of “Body Paint”
“Body Paint” by Arctic Monkeys is a richly textured song that weaves together themes of deception, vulnerability, and lingering memories. The lyrics conjure images of someone concealing their true self—”a master of deception and subterfuge”—while simultaneously hinting at emotional exposure. The repeated reference to “body paint” serves as a metaphor for the remnants of past experiences and facades that remain visible even after the performance is over. The song’s introspective lines and haunting melody invite listeners to reflect on the traces we leave behind and the masks we wear, suggesting an ongoing connection between the narrator and their subject. With its evocative storytelling, the track captures the tension between self-preservation and authenticity.
Song Credits
Artist: Arctic Monkeys
Songwriter: Alex Turner
Release Year: 2022
Label: Domino Recording Company