"Physical Pain" by Joan Armatrading is a song that expresses the emotional and physical agony that the speaker is going through. The lyrics reveal feelings of despair, guilt, and longing for a lost connection with someone dear to the speaker's heart. The song starts with the speaker experiencing intense physical pain and aching in their head. They feel raw and crucified, suggesting a deep emotional hurt. The speaker acknowledges that they don't feel great and decides to retreat and heal themselves by licking their wounds and hiding their crying eyes. The speaker takes responsibility for their pain, admitting that it is their own fault because they have told lies. The phrase "No touch sensation, no palpitations" suggests that the speaker no longer experiences any excitement or passion. They are unable to feel any anticipation or joy, implying a loss of connection or intimacy with the person they are addressing. The speaker reveals that they have been traumatized and feel confined, illustrating a state of feeling trapped and emotionally unsettled. They express a sense of emptiness and a lack of vitality. Once again, the speaker resolves to lick their wounds and hide their emotions, accepting responsibility for the lies they have told. The chorus of the song expresses the speaker's yearning to see their beloved again. They describe a broken friendship that has resulted in a broken heart. The speaker longs for the chance to be together again, to see the person's smiling face and to mend what has been broken. They express impatience and a desperate desire to reunite. The song continues to emphasize the feelings of emptiness and loneliness. The speaker describes empty rooms and too much space, symbolizing a void left by the absence of the person they long for. They mention having time on their hands but lacking any desire or motivation. They admit feeling numb and lost. The chorus repeats, further emphasizing the speaker's longing for reconciliation and their hope to see the person they love once more. The song ends with the lingering question of whether they will ever get back together and see each other's smiling faces again, revealing a sense of uncertainty and longing for closure. Overall, "Physical Pain" explores the themes of emotional and physical agony, regret, longing, and the desperate yearning for reconnection and healing in a broken relationship. It delves into the complexities of human emotions, expressing the desire for resolution and the depths of pain caused by lost love.
