Stripped

Depeche Mode's 'Stripped' is a song that delves into the desire for genuine connection and intimacy, away from the distractions and artificiality of modern life. The lyrics invite the listener to escape into nature, to a place where two people can be together without the trappings of society. The repeated line 'Let me see you stripped down to the bone' suggests a yearning to know someone at their most fundamental level, beyond physical nakedness, reaching into the essence of their being.

The song contrasts the natural setting with the 'Metropolis,' symbolizing the chaotic and polluted environment of urban life. The 'fumes' that are breathed in during a kiss metaphorically represent the toxic elements of a city that can infiltrate personal relationships. By asking to 'come back to the land,' the lyrics express a longing to return to simplicity and authenticity, where 'everything's ours for a few hours,' indicating a temporary but profound respite from the pressures of the outside world.

The call to 'make decisions without your television' further emphasizes the theme of disconnecting from the influence of media and society to focus on personal interaction. The song's plea for the subject to speak and cry 'just for me' is a powerful request for unfiltered emotional expression, highlighting the deep level of connection and understanding the speaker seeks. 'Stripped' is a poetic exploration of the human need for real connection in an increasingly disconnected world.