The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Lipstick on the Glass" by the artist "Wolf Alice"

"Lipstick on the Glass" by Wolf Alice explores the protagonist's complex emotions as she grapples with the desire to move on and the pull to return to a past relationship.

The first verse acknowledges that the breakup could have been an opportunity for change, as the old relationship wasn't fulfilling. However, the image of the former lover with open arms proves too alluring to resist.

The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's willingness to take their partner back, despite it seeming illogical ("surprising") given the circumstances. The "lipstick on the glass" symbolizes infidelity or at least the suggestion of another person, making her decision even more contradictory. The full moon, often associated with heightened emotions and instability, underscores the internal struggle she faces.

The second verse reveals that both partners are prone to self-destructive behavior ("body plays tricks on me"), each fighting their own demons. The lack of resistance, the desire to surrender and return to a familiar, albeit unhealthy, relationship pattern is expressed in the line "there's no joy in resistance."

The bridge, with its repetition of the word "again," conveys the cyclical nature of the situation, the inability to break free from a vicious cycle. The protagonist essentially waits for their partner to make the first move, absolving herself of responsibility for the decision.

Overall, "Lipstick on the Glass" is a song about the power of attachment, the difficulty of letting go of something familiar, even if it brings pain. The imagery of the full moon and the recurring motif of "again" create an atmosphere of inevitability, a sense of fate governing the characters' actions.