The song refers to Oscar Wilde who wrote a play about Salome. Doherty is a massive admirer of Wilde. The atmosphere in the song also recalls the paintings from Gustave Moreau, they both are major figures of european Art of the XIXth century, a romantic period in many ways. Salome's story is part of an episode of Matthew and Marc's gospel. She was Herodiade's daughter, who did marry King Herode. Salome was divine and she was able to obtain everything in the world by her charms and the grace of her dancing skills. Once she was dancing for Herode Antipas, he fell in love and asked her what he could give, she turned to her mother and Herodiade said "the head of John the Baptist." Herode gave it to Salome on a plate, and she gave it to her mother. In the song, Doherty mentions Isadora Duncan who was probably the greatest dancer of all times. She could have been a rival for Salome. With a legend like that, it's easy to rely with the pain a man can have with girls. At the end of the song, Pete adds "as she dances and demands the head of any bastard on a plate." Pete is the bastard in question. He's hypnotized and consents to give his own head. Salome is Kate Moss or whoever you want.

the image of john the baptists head on a plate comes from the love song of j. alfred prufrock.

Such a beautiful song. And what a fine and gentle segue it has with A Little Death Around the Eyes. I can't even divide them really

Such a beautiful song. And what a fine and gentle segue it has with A Little Death Around the Eyes. I can't even divide them really

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salome <--- this explains a lot! :D

i loved this song.. and I love it even more now, after I understood what it meant :)

Nothing more to add about this song's meaning, but the lyrics aren't complete nor exact. Here are what I believe is slightly better. Please bare with my English.

-- Lyrics:

In the cold, the coldest of nights The fire I light, to warm my bones I've had enough, of the dreadful cold And from the flames, appears Salome

I stand before her amazed As she dances and demands The head of John the Baptist on a plate

In the morning, shaken and disturbed From under soft white fur I see the dust in the morning bright sets the room alive And by the telly appears Salome

I stand before her amazed As she dances and demands The head of Isadora Duncan on a plate Oh, it's Salome Oh, it's Salome

In the cold, the coldest of nights The fire I light, to warm my bones I've had enough, of the dreadful cold And from the flames, appears Salome

I stand before her amazed As she dances and demands The head of any bastard on a plate

-- Corrections:

Added "the" before coldest, first line

Changed "Oh love, had enough of ..." to "I've had enough". It's believe it's what P. Doherty says

John the Baptist is a proper name, needs capital letters

Changed Isidora Duncan to Isadora Duncan, her actual name

Added the third and last verse