The song "Lie" by Ultravox addresses the theme of falsehood, deception, and the consequences of refusing to let go of lies. The lyrics suggest that someone, possibly a deceptive individual, continues to dance their "savage dance" and maintain a deceitful facade, despite the lack of justification for their actions. The phrase "Couldn't you let it lie?" is repeated throughout the song, indicating a plea or questioning directed towards the person who refuses to let go of their lies. The lines imply a sense of frustration and exasperation, perhaps from someone witnessing the deception or directly affected by it. The song also references a clear conscience and sanctification through the act of washing away sins. This could be interpreted as the deceptive individual trying to absolve themselves of guilt or justify their actions under the guise of righteousness. The mention of starting a "holy war" further emphasizes the religious undertones and the potential harm caused by manipulation in the name of faith. Overall, "Lie" conveys a sense of dissatisfaction and a yearning for the truth to be acknowledged and falsehoods to be abandoned. The lyrics imply a desire for the deceptive individual to come clean and stop perpetuating their lies.