Let me add to this that fires have a sexual symbolism. Janie probably had some unconscious exposure to her lecherous dad (who is hot for her), even though probably nothing happened. He probably went out of his mind somehow, and in the middle of the confusion, Janie escaped that situation, only to land herself in this one - we unconsciously seek out what we've grown to become comfortable with, even if it's not good for us. She simply doesn't know any better than this type of situation.
The speaker in the song reels her in by using her flair for the dramatic and romantic (typical of many teenage girls) against her. "You be the showgirl, I'll be Sinatra..." He also mentions a few other creepy things that I haven't heard anyone with this same take as mine: Sailing - which is taking her to an isolated situation where she cannot get away easily. Painting - suddenly he feels like painting (nude?) portraits...so innocent-sounding. Getting her drunk - "hearty gulping wine."
And just to kick it up a notch, he lets her know that, if she doesn't "come along for the ride," there's another, more willing girl waiting in the wings. If she does, she MIGHT get some glamorous goodies, like a trip to Spain, picnics, weekend alone together, her portrait painted (flattery), and sailing.
Let me add to this that fires have a sexual symbolism. Janie probably had some unconscious exposure to her lecherous dad (who is hot for her), even though probably nothing happened. He probably went out of his mind somehow, and in the middle of the confusion, Janie escaped that situation, only to land herself in this one - we unconsciously seek out what we've grown to become comfortable with, even if it's not good for us. She simply doesn't know any better than this type of situation.
The speaker in the song reels her in by using her flair for the dramatic and romantic (typical of many teenage girls) against her. "You be the showgirl, I'll be Sinatra..." He also mentions a few other creepy things that I haven't heard anyone with this same take as mine: Sailing - which is taking her to an isolated situation where she cannot get away easily. Painting - suddenly he feels like painting (nude?) portraits...so innocent-sounding. Getting her drunk - "hearty gulping wine."
And just to kick it up a notch, he lets her know that, if she doesn't "come along for the ride," there's another, more willing girl waiting in the wings. If she does, she MIGHT get some glamorous goodies, like a trip to Spain, picnics, weekend alone together, her portrait painted (flattery), and sailing.