In the song, Lady Gaga sings about her ability to conceal her true emotions behind a "poker face" in situations where she needs to present herself in a calculating and enigmatic way. The lyrics describe her strategic, unreadable demeanor as she navigates social interactions and relationships.
Here's a more detailed explanation of some key lines in the song:
1. "Can't read my poker face, she's got me like nobody"
- Gaga describes her ability to keep her thoughts and feelings hidden, like a skilled poker player who keeps their cards close to their chest.
2. "She holdin' all the aces, all the aces"
- She portrays herself as having the upper hand in various situations by holding all the best cards, just like a poker player with a strong hand.
3. "I won't tell you that I love you, kiss or hug you"
- She refuses to reveal her true feelings and affections, keeping people guessing about her intentions and emotions.
4. "Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun, and baby when it's love, if it's not rough, it isn't fun"
- Gaga draws a comparison between love and a game of Russian Roulette, where there's an element of risk and danger. She seems to find excitement in unpredictable and intense romantic situations.
5. "He's got me like nobody, nobody"
- She acknowledges that someone has managed to capture her attention and affection in a way that others haven't, but maintains her composed and mysterious persona.
6. "Bluffin' with my muffin, I feel safe"
- Gaga uses humorous slang to refer to her ability to hide her true feelings as a form of self-protection and comfort.
Overall, "Poker Face" is about maintaining an enigmatic and calculated exterior, keeping one's true thoughts and emotions concealed from others. It's about displaying a confident and unflappable demeanor, whether in social interactions or romantic relationships. The song captures the idea of presenting oneself in a way that keeps others guessing and prevents them from getting too close or gaining full understanding.