Purify

Placebo's song 'Purify' delves into the complex interplay of desire, spirituality, and moral ambiguity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that is both physically and emotionally intense. The opening lines, 'Spacial awareness, so much confusion / And it's so difficult to harness,' suggest a sense of disorientation and struggle to find clarity. This confusion is juxtaposed with the presence of a significant other who is described as 'nimble and righteous,' indicating a grounding force amidst the chaos. However, the mention of a 'fine mess' hints at the imperfections and complications inherent in their relationship.

The recurring question, 'Are you a temple? Are you a temptress?' encapsulates the duality of the partner's role. This line explores the tension between sanctity and seduction, suggesting that the partner embodies both purity and temptation. The plea to 'wash away my sins, give me catharsis!' reveals a desire for redemption and emotional cleansing, indicating that the relationship serves as a means of moral and spiritual purification. The metaphor of magnetizing the moral compass further emphasizes the transformative power of this connection.

The song's chorus, 'My kiss, can you feel it yet? In the back of your legs? / And on the nape of your neck?' is a sensual and intimate expression of physical desire. The lyrics celebrate the partner's physicality, describing them as 'erotic and divine.' This duality is further explored with the line, 'To me you're more than a human / You're more complex / You're like a fallen angel / Who uses God as a hat!' Here, the partner is elevated to a near-mythical status, embodying both divine and earthly qualities. The song ultimately testifies to the purifying effect this intense, multifaceted relationship has on the narrator, blending themes of eroticism, spirituality, and redemption in a captivating and poetic manner.