Don't be offended bradburyesqu; you have to admit that at 27 you're an exception to the rule. In any case, I'm glad you've discovered real rock 'n roll. By the way, I never mentioned Ophelia's skin colour; I didn't think it was relevant to the song. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; pick a colour. You're idea that she must be black, and that therefore a law was broken, doesn't quite ring any bells (belles?) with me! The name "Ophelia" is perhaps more common among whites than blacks (read Hamlet). And the common phrase "darken my door" has always applied to anyone, not just people with dark skin. Besides, if it's a song about the old south's racial repression, then what's a single black female doing owning her own property in the first place? No, I think Ophelia is simply a mysterious woman whose overt beauty gets her into all kinds of trouble and intrigue. A touch of Gypsy blood perhaps! The important thing is that we both love the tune.
Actually Rayman, I'm 18 and have been a fervent The Band fan since the tender age of 7. I was singing the na na nas on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down long before I knew what it was about.
My parents taught me well... :)
Actually Rayman, I'm 18 and have been a fervent The Band fan since the tender age of 7. I was singing the na na nas on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down long before I knew what it was about.
My parents taught me well... :)
God I love The Last Waltz. I feel like I was born in the wrong decade.
God I love The Last Waltz. I feel like I was born in the wrong decade.
I think it is strongly implied that this is a song about an interracial affair that breaks the rules. Why else would a woman be driven out of town for seeing a man? "Darken my door" is a nod in that direction. The song is subtle and designed to entertain the "knowing" listener more than the person who doesn't pick up the clues.
I think it is strongly implied that this is a song about an interracial affair that breaks the rules. Why else would a woman be driven out of town for seeing a man? "Darken my door" is a nod in that direction. The song is subtle and designed to entertain the "knowing" listener more than the person who doesn't pick up the clues.
Don't be offended bradburyesqu; you have to admit that at 27 you're an exception to the rule. In any case, I'm glad you've discovered real rock 'n roll. By the way, I never mentioned Ophelia's skin colour; I didn't think it was relevant to the song. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder; pick a colour. You're idea that she must be black, and that therefore a law was broken, doesn't quite ring any bells (belles?) with me! The name "Ophelia" is perhaps more common among whites than blacks (read Hamlet). And the common phrase "darken my door" has always applied to anyone, not just people with dark skin. Besides, if it's a song about the old south's racial repression, then what's a single black female doing owning her own property in the first place? No, I think Ophelia is simply a mysterious woman whose overt beauty gets her into all kinds of trouble and intrigue. A touch of Gypsy blood perhaps! The important thing is that we both love the tune.
Actually Rayman, I'm 18 and have been a fervent The Band fan since the tender age of 7. I was singing the na na nas on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down long before I knew what it was about. My parents taught me well... :)
Actually Rayman, I'm 18 and have been a fervent The Band fan since the tender age of 7. I was singing the na na nas on The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down long before I knew what it was about. My parents taught me well... :)
God I love The Last Waltz. I feel like I was born in the wrong decade.
God I love The Last Waltz. I feel like I was born in the wrong decade.
@RayMan I always understood "darken my door" to mean the shadow one casts on it as they approach it. It is a colorful way of saying come call on me...
@RayMan I always understood "darken my door" to mean the shadow one casts on it as they approach it. It is a colorful way of saying come call on me...
I think it is strongly implied that this is a song about an interracial affair that breaks the rules. Why else would a woman be driven out of town for seeing a man? "Darken my door" is a nod in that direction. The song is subtle and designed to entertain the "knowing" listener more than the person who doesn't pick up the clues.
I think it is strongly implied that this is a song about an interracial affair that breaks the rules. Why else would a woman be driven out of town for seeing a man? "Darken my door" is a nod in that direction. The song is subtle and designed to entertain the "knowing" listener more than the person who doesn't pick up the clues.