Scarlet's Walk

My interpretation is this: Scarlet is America and the sheriff is 'the white man' who was welcomed when first he came, but like all Europeans did - to expand the empire (pick one) he decided that he'd stay, not just be a guest in Scarlet's land so he announced theat he was staying and thats where things got ugly. For awhile, Scarlet being the congenial sweetheart she is said 'fine, sure! Stay, but expect me to like it'. So the deal that she struck with the Christian was nix'd; 'if they're going to stay, they're going to pay'. So, in come the natives, who Scarlet was very happy to have live with her as they respected her and furry animal friends and when the white man came, everyone living with Scarlet fought back. Despite the slaughter, Scarlets true stories will stay with the land when she goes 'so you just lift your lamp'...that being meant as ''you'll get yours''...and the white man did. Fighting with his fists (war) wont be something that will keep the white man's ways lasting for more then a few centuries (its allready failing) and Scarlet will be back and take some sort of revenge. Thats what I have to about the song and Virginia supports my theory - Scarlet and Virginia are pretty close friends. I just hope someone can make sense of what I have to say

This song, and the whole album to some extent, reminded me of tangled up in blue by bob dylan. I've not subjected this to a strict interpretation; but it puts me in mind of two characters, one red one blue, following, chasing and loosing each other in a dance across the country. Obviously we are aware of Scarlet; but there are a few oblique menntions of blue in the forms of violets, blues and i believe lithium is mentioned somewhere else in the album. Why precicelsy they are trailing each other, and who is following who (blue or red) is not clear; but then do you ever know your reasons when you find yourself on those hazy modern urban quests?

My interpretation is this: Scarlet is America and the sheriff is 'the white man' who was welcomed when first he came, but like all Europeans did - to expand the empire (pick one) he decided that he'd stay, not just be a guest in Scarlet's land so he announced theat he was staying and thats where things got ugly. For awhile, Scarlet being the congenial sweetheart she is said 'fine, sure! Stay, but expect me to like it'. So the deal that she struck with the Christian was nix'd; 'if they're going to stay, they're going to pay'. So, in come the natives, who Scarlet was very happy to have live with her as they respected her and furry animal friends and when the white man came, everyone living with Scarlet fought back. Despite the slaughter, Scarlets true stories will stay with the land when she goes 'so you just lift your lamp'...that being meant as ''you'll get yours''...and the white man did. Fighting with his fists (war) wont be something that will keep the white man's ways lasting for more then a few centuries (its allready failing) and Scarlet will be back and take some sort of revenge. Thats what I have to about the song and Virginia supports my theory - Scarlet and Virginia are pretty close friends. I just hope someone can make sense of what I have to say

This song is definitely at the pinnacle of the album. The white settlers have moved in, and despite being guests, have placed the land firmly into their hands.

At the heart of this song is a story about losing identity, and having an entire land spirit and culture robbed and erased from existence. The saddest part is that the protagonist from this song is obviously seduced by the settlers, and is beginning to lose the essence of who she is,

'if you're a thought you will want me to think you and I did and I did'

This weakness leads into the next song 'Virginia', where the girls completely loses who she is, and betrays everything she knows.

it's funny how sometimes you don't listen to the words and you find some songs really really annoying. and than one day you're busy doing stuff, music's playing in the background and you hear it like you have never heard it before. it hits you right in the spot.

are you guys stupid? terra and scarlet= gone with the wind!

I agree with all the comments about the settlers staying and taking over the land. I also think there's a subtext, particularly given the political situation in the US when the album was released. The line 'the new sheriff said, quite proud of his badge, you must admit the land is now in good hands, yes time will tell that' always makes me think of a politician, it could be anyone from the president to a local representative. there's a state of turmoil and war and restlessness and the messages say 'don't worry, we're looking after your interests'. I think Tori is encouraging us to look past the spin, and linking it back to the arrival of the settlers.

It's an interpretation of Gone With The Wind...hence Scarlet...and Terra....

"all debts are off this year they're free to leave"

and

"What do you plan to do with all your freedom"

It's about the freeing of the slaves...I think in some ways it's just dealing with the out comes of the Civil War.

Tori Amos is the best songwriter to come out of the 90s. No other woman In the world creates art this good. Scarlet's Walk is a masterpiece and Tori Amos is underrated and underappreciated. One day when the world is a speck of dust and people live in space they will rediscover her and say she was a God. I heart Tori.

i have a different more simple interpretation.. when i first heard the song i though this was about Tori changing to a new record label

'invite a Guest up until you announced that you had moved in "what do you plan to do with all your freedom?" the new sheriff said, quite proud of his Badge "you must admit the Land is now in good hands"

"what do you plan to do with all your stories" the new sheriff said, quite proud of his Badge we'll weave them through every rocket's red glare and huddled masses you just lift your lamp

i guess the sheriff is epic records lol