Duran Duran’s “The Reflex” is a perplexing song, wrapping its meaning in metaphors and cryptic language. It seems to explore themes of chance, fate, and the decisions we make in life. The “reflex” could be a metaphor for an instinctual response to situations, suggesting that sometimes our initial reactions can lead us to unexpected treasures or opportunities. The song encourages listeners to take risks, trust their instincts, and embrace the unknown. It shares a message of optimism and potential, urging us to look for the hidden gems in our lives, even when things seem confusing or unclear. The lyrics also touch on themes of loneliness and the desire for connection, with the “lonely child” waiting by the park, possibly representing our inner selves seeking companionship and understanding.
Unpack the mysteries of Duran Duran’s “The Reflex” as we explore the layers and meanings behind this enigmatic hit from the 80s.
“The Reflex” Lyrics Meaning
The song opens with a sense of going beyond boundaries: “You’ve gone too far this time / But I’m dancing on the Valentine”. This could imply a situation that’s out of control, yet there’s a willingness to engage and take risks.
“I tell you somebody’s fooling around / With my chances on the danger line” suggests playing with fate or taking chances, while “I’ll cross that bridge when I find it” speaks to dealing with consequences as they come, not before.
“High time is no time for deciding / If I should find a helping hand” may reflect moments of indecision and the need for support. The repeated line, “Why don’t you use it? Try not to bruise it / Buy time, don’t lose it”, could be advising to take advantage of opportunities and to be careful with how we handle situations and relationships.
The chorus introduces “the reflex”, described as a “lonely child”, perhaps representing our inner, instinctual selves. This “reflex” is tasked with “finding treasure in the dark”, suggesting that our instincts can lead us to valuable insights or opportunities, even when things are unclear.
The lines “And every little thing the reflex does / Leaves you answered with a question mark” portray the perplexing nature of our instincts, as they often lead us to more questions than answers.
The second verse, “I’m on a ride and I want to get off / But they won’t slow down the roundabout”, might illustrate feeling overwhelmed and wanting a break from the constant pace of life.
“I sold the Renoir and TV set / Don’t wanna be around when this gets out” could imply a desire to detach from material possessions or superficial concerns, seeking something more genuine.
The song closes with, “Oh, the reflex, what a game, he’s hiding all the cards / The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark”, reinforcing the idea that our instincts hold the key to unlocking the treasures in our lives, even if they keep their secrets well-guarded.
The Story Behind “The Reflex”
“The Reflex” was released in 1983, during a time when Duran Duran was enjoying significant success and popularity. The song’s lyrics were written by the band’s lead singer, Simon Le Bon, known for his poetic and often cryptic writing style.
At the time, the band was navigating the pressures and challenges of fame, and “The Reflex” reflects this sense of confusion and the desire for clarity and understanding. The lyrics’ enigmatic nature may have been a way for Le Bon to express the complexities of life in the spotlight and the search for authenticity in a world full of distractions and illusions.
The repeated references to the “reflex” suggest a belief in the power of instincts and the importance of trusting oneself, even in the face of uncertainty. This theme resonates with the band’s journey, as they relied on their artistic instincts to navigate the music industry and stay true to their vision.
In essence, “The Reflex” captures the confusion, risk-taking, and search for meaning that defined Duran Duran’s experience in the 80s, serving as a timeless reminder to trust our instincts and look for the hidden treasures in our lives.