What is the meaning of “Body Paint” by Arctic Monkeys

In the first verse, the singer addresses someone who is known for being a master of deception and subterfuge, or trickery and hiding their true motives. The singer notes that this person has made themselves a situation in which they have to lie. The person has used tanning booths to hide the fact that they are crying, but the singer is able to see through their disguise.

In the chorus, the singer mentions that there is still a trace of body paint on the person’s legs, arms, and face. The singer sees this as a reminder of their previous disguise and calls it a “writing tool,” implying that they are using the memory of this person’s lies as inspiration for their own creative work. The singer also notes that if they are thinking of the person, it is likely that the person is also thinking of them.

In the second verse, the singer repeats the chorus, emphasizing the fact that there is still a trace of body paint on the person’s body. This serves as a reminder of the person’s previous disguise and the fact that the singer is still thinking about it.

The lyrics of “Body Paint” suggest that the singer is addressing someone who is known for being deceptive and has used this skill to hide their emotions and true intentions. The use of body paint as a metaphor for disguise emphasizes the idea that, even though someone may be able to hide their true selves temporarily, there will always be a trace of their previous disguise left behind. The chorus, in which the singer mentions that they are using the memory of this person’s lies as inspiration for their own work, implies that the singer is not fooled by the person’s disguise and is using the experience as a source of creative inspiration.

The song’s use of repetition in the chorus reinforces the idea that, even though the person has tried to hide their true self, the memory of their previous disguise will always be present. The fact that the singer knows what the person is thinking, despite their disguise, highlights the idea that it is difficult to truly hide one’s true motives and emotions.

Overall, “Body Paint” is a commentary on the idea of deception and disguise, suggesting that despite someone’s best efforts to hide their true selves, there will always be a trace of their previous disguise left behind. The use of body paint as a metaphor for disguise emphasizes the idea that it is impossible to truly hide one’s true motives and emotions.