Sensory Deprivation

One main version:

* (1981) - Chemical Playschool 2 (4:08), Prayer for Aradia Bonus Tracks (4:11), Four In One (4:21)

The mix on "Four In One" contains an additional five seconds of guitar introduction, but fades out faster, missing the "-shun" of "deprivation."

A bit of a shock amidst the rest of the tape, this is a really conventional pop song. It's interesting that they decided NOT to include it on any other albums.

Instruments: Single drum machine pattern; funky electric guitar with lots of wah-wah; warm synth chords; two boopy synth keys, one playing melody and the other occasional accents; two vocal tracks.

What It's About:

Taking the "love is blind" metaphor a step sideways, this song suggests that the blindness in a relationship comes from both directions: she -- the vain and selfish creature -- can't see how much he loves her, and he -- the loyal boyfriend without much to offer -- can't see how much she DOESN'T love him. Apparently the only way he can "keep" her is to forcibly lock her in the cellar. In addition we're told to "boogie on down," probably because the music is so shockingly funky.

Lyrics (adapted from the Cloud-Zero archive):

Can't you see that she's guilty?
Smiles at you, but her eyes betray her.
You should hear the conversations,
the confessions to her friends.
Don't you see? Don't you see? Don't you see?

Love is blind. Love is blind.
Sensory deprivation.

Aren't you just a little worried
when you phone but you get no answer?
Don't you wonder why she never calls?
Don't you see? Don't you see? Don't you see?

Love is blind, needs a stick.
Sensory deprivation.

Get down. Get down.
Boogie on down.

Better face it that you've lost her.
Now she's in it for the ride.
Tries to make you look a sucker.
The thing between you's gone and died.

If you really want to keep her,
buy a chain, a cannonball.
Put a heater in the cellar and a mirror on the wall.
You've got to keep her happy.

Get down. Get down.
Boogie boogie boogie boogie.

Can't you hear that she's laughing?
Sells your soul in a starched white [?]
tells your secrets to her lover.
Spins you round, puts you down.
Don't you see? Don't you see? Don't you see?

Love is blind, it can't see.
Sensory deprivation.

Sure I know you're not a bad guy.
Sure you care, but you're overbearing.
Showed her rust instead of rainbows.
Bought her blindness in the pub.
She can't see.

Love is blind. Love is blind!
Sensory deprivation!

Get down. She's deprived!
Get on down. Sensory deprivation.
Get down. Sensory deprivation!
Down. Get down. Sensory deprivation!
Sensory deprivation!