In Joan Armatrading's song "Someone's In The Background," the lyrics suggest a story of suspicion and betrayal within a relationship. The protagonist is talking on the phone while someone else is in the background, giving answers and information about their partner's actions. The protagonist wants to talk to this person directly to understand where they are going wrong and seek advice on how to make the relationship work. There is a sense of longing and desperation as they want to speak to this person who seems to have influenced their partner's decisions. The protagonist believes that this "stealer" knows how much they are hurting and can provide insight into their own pain, as they have caused heartbreak before. They hope that by talking to this person, they can find comfort in their memories and the knowledge that love can still live on. The lyrics also highlight a communication breakdown between the protagonist and their partner. They feel that someone has made their partner question the love they had, which they believed would last a lifetime. They want to talk to the person who influenced their partner to spread their wings and potentially betray their trust. The protagonist expresses disappointment and confusion about how they ended up in this situation. They thought their partner cared, but now they find themselves in a position of doubt and insecurity. They insist on getting the truth over the phone, refusing to let their partner disguise their passion or hide their actions. They are determined to confront them in person, emphasizing that once caught, there is no turning back. In the end, the protagonist acknowledges that their love may have died, but they will find solace in their memories. They hope that reflecting on the good times they shared can provide some comfort in the face of the current betrayal and heartbreak. Overall, "Someone's In The Background" is a powerful and emotive song about the complexities of relationships, suspicion, and the search for answers and closure in the face of betrayal.
