These lyrics appear to be a whimsical and somewhat surreal exploration of a journey or adventure, both literal and metaphorical, where the narrator encounters various symbolic elements and experiences along the way. Let's break it down line by line:
"You mentioned la pieta" - The reference to "la pieta" likely alludes to the famous sculpture by Michelangelo depicting the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus. It sets a contemplative and religious tone.
"The dotted line" - The "dotted line" suggests a path or route, perhaps a journey or quest.
"The holy flapping dress" - This image evokes a sense of the sacred and mystical, with the dress symbolizing something ethereal or divine.
"White legs carving darkness" - An intriguing contrast between the color white and darkness, possibly symbolizing the idea of light and hope in challenging times.
"And you traced your thoughts on the tablecloth" - Implies a sense of reflection and communication, possibly during a meal or discussion.
"As you were speaking" - Indicates that the narrator is recounting a conversation or story.
"So when you left I grabbed the white and telling tablecloth" - The narrator takes the tablecloth, which could be seen as a symbol of memory or a desire to hold onto something meaningful.
"And I carried it out into the empty streets" - The narrator takes their memories or thoughts into the world, perhaps seeking a deeper understanding.
"And I laid it down to see what I could see" - They are exploring their thoughts and memories, hoping to gain insight.
"I led my horse along the latitudes" - The horse could represent a means of travel, and "latitudes" may symbolize the lines of longitude and latitude on a map, suggesting a journey across the world.
"Across the folds and into white" - Further exploration and movement into the unknown.
"And somehow along the way my horse slid off sideways and was gone forever" - An unexpected turn of events, loss, or change in direction.
"I mourned and then forgot about it" - The narrator experiences loss but eventually moves on.
"I resumed the line, the latitudes and longitudes are calling me" - The desire to continue the journey despite setbacks.
"They're stringing me out across the seas forever" - The idea of being pulled into an endless adventure.
"They say -- da da... map of the world" - The repetition of "da da" adds a playful or nonsensical element, suggesting that the journey may not always make logical sense.
"I run along the dotted line and I grab my flapping dress --- wheeee" - The narrator embraces the adventure with enthusiasm.
"And the global winds rush past me shouting -- this is happiness" - Happiness is found in the freedom and exhilaration of the journey.
"A quick flight to the global edge that spans the vast expanse" - The excitement of exploring the world's boundaries.
"To where the mountains meet like relay-runners to where the snow caps do" - A vivid description of natural landscapes.
"I raise one arm up to the sky to touch a speck --- an eagle flies" - Connecting with nature and experiencing a sense of awe.
"And a stick-figure on the other side he waves back to me...(?)" - Interaction with an enigmatic figure, perhaps representing another traveler or a symbolic encounter.
"He said -- da da... map of the world" - Repeating the nonsensical phrase, emphasizing the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the journey.
"A stick-figure with briefcase and a business suit and tie" - An image of a mundane, corporate world contrasted with the adventure of the journey.
"He walks across the perfect lawn (you mean the perfect-perfect-perfect lawn?)" - An exaggerated portrayal of a manicured and controlled environment.
"And he stands there at the foot of the golden office tower" - The contrast between natural beauty and the concrete jungle.
"He says --- 'I must get to work today, I have to get inside somehow'" - The figure represents the mundane obligations of everyday life.
"But the golden office tower was just a cliff the sun was setting on" - The realization that the corporate world is empty and illusory.
"So he ran up along the cliff and was gone forever" - The figure abandons the corporate world, perhaps in pursuit of a more meaningful journey.
"You were with us when we held our meetings at the end of the plains" - Returning to a sense of community and shared experiences.
"Broad topics like --- life and death (is dinner ready yet?) yes --- it's a map-of-the-world" - The juxtaposition of deep philosophical discussions with mundane concerns.
"Beyond the mountain tops past the far-flung icefloes and the outlying tundra" - Continuing the journey through diverse landscapes.
"And I circle down to see what I can see" - A recurring theme of exploration and curiosity.
"I can see ten men of the Kremlin ten pegs upon the plains" - A reference to political figures and symbols, suggesting the reach of global politics.
"Ten men with stony faces facing west where night erases shadows in the places where the faces of the Kremlin used to be" - A hint at political change and the fading of power.
"They say --- da da... map of the world" - The phrase continues to emphasize the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the world.
These lyrics create a surreal and dreamlike narrative that combines elements of adventure, reflection, and social commentary, all while maintaining a sense of playfulness and unpredictability. The repeated "da da... map of the world" serves as a reminder that life's journey can be both nonsensical and full of wonder.
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