| Real Estate – Pool Swimmers Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| I agree with your correction. This fits what I've mentioned. | |
| Real Estate – Pool Swimmers Lyrics | 16 years ago |
| I'm not sure it's about drugs/alcohol, rather it's more (generally) about kids being mischievous by going out swimming in their neighbors' pools. The feel of the song seems of childish innocence - almost like they're telling a story (the guys have played together since high school, and the theme of the album is coated in nostalgia) about an earlier time that is of personal significance to the band members. Perhaps instead, Martin says 'roman candle' instead of 'rolling candle'; the 'calling cards' could be used for prank phone calls from public telephones. The 'golden one'...not sure yet, but I think he could be saying something else. Nonetheless, the other words and the aesthetic of the tune point to the band's reflection of their past selves as 'Pool Swimmers'. | |
| Elton John – Rocket Man Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I think the tune most suggests the experience of substance abuse and addiction, which is analogous to the 'flight' or the 'being in space'. Importantly, the words 'timeless' and 'long, long time' refer to the subject's state of helplessness. Despite understanding the harsh consequences and cold reality of his state, he can't remove himself from the cycle. My favorite lines, which greatly serve to support the metaphor, are 'and all this science I don't understand' and 'it's just my job five days a week'. The job is getting stoned, and the science is how to help himself. In terms of the production/instrumentation, further support of my claim is evident. John's vocals are honest and exposed, indicative of personal narrative. The climatic chorus surrounding the 'rocket man' manifestation indicates a grandiose, euphoric mindset. The fade out, with its corresponding lyrics, is an indication of his perception of the infinity or the permanence encompassing the abuse. But "after many years of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, John finally checked himself into a drug rehabilitation clinic in 1990 (Wikipedia)". Though considerable, the 'being gay' hypothesis is unsupported, too much of a stretch, and disconnected with the majority of the song. And taking it literally (John is merely reflecting on being famous and on the road) doesn't seem to support the whole, oscillating feeling of the tune as much as the metaphor of addiction does. I like to think of the brilliance in creatively using one narrative event to mean another... |
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