☝️ Key Points
- TATTOO is a song about disappointment and regret after the end of an intense relationship. The symbolic use of a tattoo emphasizes the constant, painful reminder of the failed relationship.
- The tattoo with the name of the former lover is a constant, painful symbol of unrequited love and regret for the protagonist.
- The protagonist wants to remove the tattoo and metaphorically eliminate the painful memories of the relationship, but is unsure of how to do so.
- The repeated mention of 'This fucking tattoo with your name' underscores the deep frustration, anger, and disappointment of the protagonist over the failed relationship and their hasty decision to get a tattoo.
- The lines 'Thought it was love at first prick / But you just fucked my heart' show the extent of the betrayal and hurt felt by the protagonist.
Interpretation
The song 'TATTOO' by
Finch is about a deep disappointment after a failed relationship. The protagonist has tattooed the name of their lover, believing that their love would be eternal. This tattoo is the constant and painful symbol of their despair and regret after the end of this relationship, as expressed in the lyrics 'I have a tattoo that hurts / Because your name is written on it'.
The song expresses the protagonist's strong desire to remove or cover up the memories of their former lover, but they are unsure how to do so ('I have a tattoo that needs to go / No idea what to cover it with'). The desire to remove the tattoo is metaphorical for the desire to eliminate the painful memories of the failed relationship.
The repetition of the phrase 'This damn tattoo with your name' emphasizes the frustration and anger the protagonist feels towards their hasty decision to get a tattoo. It also reflects their anger and disappointment over the failure of the relationship.
The protagonist confesses that they thought it was love at first prick, but they feel deceived ('Thought it was love at first prick / But you just fucked my heart'). This shows how hurt and betrayed they feel.
Overall, 'TATTOO' is a song about regret, disappointment, and the painful process of letting go after the end of an intense relationship.