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 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.