Avalon

To understand the meaning of the song, one should first determine the meaning of the allusions within the lyrics. Avalon is known to most as the mythical kingdom of King Arthur, but it has also had other meanings throughout history, as a mythical island paradise located in, variously: Old England, Italy, Sicily, Atlantis, etc. It has been described by several traditions as a place where apples grow, and where everything grows abundantly without effort, without the need for ploughing, planting, or weeding. It is, therefore, a kind of Garden of Eden or paradise on earth. Bossa Nova refers to a genre of Brazilian jazz music (with various other influences). The Bossa Nova took its name from the term "bossa" which refers to something artistically new, which flows from a talented artist in a seemingly effortless way. Originally "bossa" referred to free-flowing, effortless talent; later the term was adopted to describe the bossa nova music style as "the new thing." "When you're bossa nova...." The song is describing the feeling of satisfaction of being "at the top of your game," and the satisfied, yet excited emotion experienced when everything is working right. Comparisons are made between the talent that springs effortlessly through the fingers of a talented musician or artist and the pleasant harmony of congenial friendship (at the party), and the effortless (even unspoken) communication between lovers. When everything is working right, there is understanding without having to "work at it." And when everything is working right, it is truly "Avalon." I agree that the music greatly enhances the meaning of the lyrics. The female vocals at the end of the song are particularly beautiful and awe-inspiring. They too seem effortless, like the voices of angels.

There are certain unexpected moments when you get a certain feeling as if your life is going to change. Somehow I feel this song is about that-- \"I see you coming out of nowhere...\" A moment seen clearly.

According to Jerry Hall's latest book , this song was written after her break up with Ferry when she left him for Mick Jagger. Jagger and Jerry Hall secretly had an affair and travelled to Morocco while she was still livng at Ferry's home in England. Mick Jagger convinced her to leave him while they were on a secret getaway in Morocco. When Ferry found out he never let her return to their home to collect their belongings. She was an avid reader and one of the things she left behind was a book left on the bedside table titled "The Mists of Avalon" . Shortly thereafter Bryan ferry wrote Avalon. Jerry Hall and Bryan Ferry never spoke again and she remained with Mick for the next 23 years who was notoriously unfaithful to her. Ferry remarried right away in 1982 to Lucy Ferry and is no divorced from her and remarried to someone else... Jerry Hall is single...72 yr old Mick's 'official' girlfriend after Jerry Hall, L'wren Scott committed suicide in July 2014

This is a great song. Quite simply, I think it has to do with a man who is tired of being in a 'party' or spotlight, and is taken away to an island paradise, like, environment when he is with his special partner. He accomplishes this while dancing intimately, and letting go of everything else around him.

I agree with the geopolitical reading offered below, but also feel that the song works on a personal, psychological level as well. It is told from the point of view of a man whose life is successful but also very settled and even a bit stifling at times. They have parties, they are doing well, but little seems to change and there is a tendency for things to get boring, almost on auto-pilot. The song suggests that you have to work hard to keep your life ever-changing like the gardens of Avalon, and that it is important to notice and act on the spontaneous and beautiful things around you when they come up. If we get too caught up in control, we lose our ability to allow our lives to go in exciting, new directions. I really love this song.

This song brings on the nostalgia in massive great waves for me. Remember listening to it when I was 5 years old on the way to some family friends house in the country. That was a total waste of your time.

Avalon is a song about the end of colonial western thinking. Bryan Ferry and Roxy music were part of a generation of artists who were all aware of the influence of black music on the world culture. That's what many white-only-raised people saw as "coming out of nowhere". Avalon is the mythical paradise of European white Knights legends. Through 'Avalon' Roxy Music was sending a message to these nostalgics of imperial past that 'the party is over' and they will have to adapt to a new reality, and let themselves be carried to the 'samba' of the new global landscape. Many bands, from the Rolling Stones to Zeppelin, allude to this theme in their songs. It is basically an anti-fascist bluesy song, performed with irony and softness to drive the message even deeper.

Possibly the most pleasing song I've ever heard. Absolutely beautiful.

This is a great song. Quite simply, I think it has to do with a man who is tired of being in a 'party' or spotlight, and is taken away to an island paradise, like, environment when he is with his special partner. He accomplishes this while dancing intimately, and letting go of everything else around him.

Such an incredibly SEXY song. It opens up that the party is over and you're tired....we all know that feeling. And it is when you are that tired and you are able to perk back up that you feel the best. I have always imagined Avalon to be the name of a woman. This sexy woman walks into the room and everything changes.