"Behind Blue Eyes" is a cover of the original song by The Who, but in this answer, I will provide an interpretation based on Janet Devlin's version. The song explores the feelings of isolation, sadness, and anger experienced by the narrator, who feels misunderstood and judged by others. The lyrics highlight the internal struggles of the protagonist, who is seen as a "bad man" and a "sad man" by society. They feel unloved and hated, and they believe that their life is predetermined to be filled with lies and deception. Despite their negative emotions, the protagonist's dreams offer some solace, as they aren't completely empty, although their conscience feels void. They spend their hours in loneliness, with their love being fueled by a desire for vengeance, which seems to come at a price. The protagonist believes that nobody truly understands their emotions and blames "you" for this lack of understanding. They struggle to express their pain, as their anger is met with even harsher reactions. The protagonist's sorrow and suffering remain hidden to those around them. The lyrics also touch on the narrator's complex emotions. They request that others reveal bad news to them before they allow themselves to feel joy or act foolishly. They also express a need to purge themselves from any evil by inviting others to intervene if they swallow anything negative. In the final lines, the protagonist reiterates the loneliness of their existence as the bad and sad man behind blue eyes. The color blue can symbolize sadness, and the eyes are often considered windows to the soul. Through these words, the protagonist seeks understanding and empathy, longing for someone to help them bear the weight of their emotions and provide warmth amid their struggles. Overall, Janet Devlin's rendition of "Behind Blue Eyes" portrays an individual grappling with inner turmoil, trying to find solace and understanding in a world that appears indifferent to their pain.
