As far as I understand the song is really about John Cale's issues with alcohol and, of course, about a deeper inner crisis. In one of the video available on youtube, Cale states the song is deeply biographical and that it is really about a change of lifestyle. More likely about the need for a change of lifestyle.
In this sense, the reference to the Vine has at least three meanings: the above mentioned intersection in Los Angeles where he was living at the time (if I recall correctly), his alcoholism and finally the meaning of the metaphor itself. Feeling like a fruit left way too long on the vine after it ripened and started to spoil and rot. This is probably how he saw his life and his talent at the time.
The first part really describes a deep feeling of being disoriented and lonely, hoping for someone to help him to "draw a line" and maybe "lay down his sword" (his 'cross' if you want) and admitting he feels like giving up and call for some sort of help.
I think the refrain is beautiful and poetic. The way he describes recalling his mother (his childhood?) and how he is attempting to live his life in a wild way, like a star ("like a Hollywood") while he is actually dying inside.
The end is still an enigma to me and I would love to hear someone's interpretation of it.
@annieall Very interesting interpretation. Came here for this.
The whole atmosphere of the song reminds me of Under The Volcano; stream of consciousness kinda apocalyptic vibe.
@annieall Very interesting interpretation. Came here for this.
The whole atmosphere of the song reminds me of Under The Volcano; stream of consciousness kinda apocalyptic vibe.
The last bit; what if you read it like this?
The last bit; what if you read it like this?
I'll see you when all the trouble's over
Meet me on a better side of town
Yes, you can bring all your friends along for protection
It's always nice to have them hanging around
I'll see you when all the trouble's over
Meet me on a better side of town
Yes, you can bring all your friends along for protection
It's always nice to have them hanging around
A new life on the other side of town. He tells her (?) she can bring her friends if it's too much to come over alone; a new life is scary.
A new life on the other side of town. He tells her (?) she can bring her friends if it's too much to come over alone; a new life is scary.
...
But there's the sense of being in a dangerous country as well; the authorities said my papers were all in order, and if I wasn't such a coward I would run.
This is where my Under The Volcano reference comes in. A sense of leaving now, before you get swallowed up...
This is one of my favorite songs of all time.
As far as I understand the song is really about John Cale's issues with alcohol and, of course, about a deeper inner crisis. In one of the video available on youtube, Cale states the song is deeply biographical and that it is really about a change of lifestyle. More likely about the need for a change of lifestyle. In this sense, the reference to the Vine has at least three meanings: the above mentioned intersection in Los Angeles where he was living at the time (if I recall correctly), his alcoholism and finally the meaning of the metaphor itself. Feeling like a fruit left way too long on the vine after it ripened and started to spoil and rot. This is probably how he saw his life and his talent at the time. The first part really describes a deep feeling of being disoriented and lonely, hoping for someone to help him to "draw a line" and maybe "lay down his sword" (his 'cross' if you want) and admitting he feels like giving up and call for some sort of help. I think the refrain is beautiful and poetic. The way he describes recalling his mother (his childhood?) and how he is attempting to live his life in a wild way, like a star ("like a Hollywood") while he is actually dying inside.
The end is still an enigma to me and I would love to hear someone's interpretation of it.
@annieall Very interesting interpretation. Came here for this. The whole atmosphere of the song reminds me of Under The Volcano; stream of consciousness kinda apocalyptic vibe.
@annieall Very interesting interpretation. Came here for this. The whole atmosphere of the song reminds me of Under The Volcano; stream of consciousness kinda apocalyptic vibe.
The last bit; what if you read it like this?
The last bit; what if you read it like this?
I'll see you when all the trouble's over Meet me on a better side of town Yes, you can bring all your friends along for protection It's always nice to have them hanging around
I'll see you when all the trouble's over Meet me on a better side of town Yes, you can bring all your friends along for protection It's always nice to have them hanging around
A new life on the other side of town. He tells her (?) she can bring her friends if it's too much to come over alone; a new life is scary.
A new life on the other side of town. He tells her (?) she can bring her friends if it's too much to come over alone; a new life is scary.
...
But there's the sense of being in a dangerous country as well; the authorities said my papers were all in order, and if I wasn't such a coward I would run.
This is where my Under The Volcano reference comes in. A sense of leaving now, before you get swallowed up...
Such a beautiful song.