If Sujan hadn't explicitly explained otherwise, I'd consider a twisted Christian interpretation from the perspective of Judas: something about the red hat being a crown of thorns, seven places from which Christ bled, the kiss to betray him, "I meant no harm" as a reference to conflicting desires, "on the length of my arm" as a reference to guilt, etc. Of course, there are obvious difficulties with this interpretation... but it's interesting to note recurrent themes, even if it's more of an exercise.
Wow, I really think you're onto something. Despite sufjan talking about the inspiration, I doubt it's only about that incident. I'm sure he included many more meanings into the song. He must have a new perspective of this incdent and expanded on it. He also could've merged the story with someone elses as well.
Wow, I really think you're onto something. Despite sufjan talking about the inspiration, I doubt it's only about that incident. I'm sure he included many more meanings into the song. He must have a new perspective of this incdent and expanded on it. He also could've merged the story with someone elses as well.
I knew immediately that he wouldn't mention red hat nor the seven stings without it meaning something.
I think the kiss seals the parallel you brought out.
I knew immediately that he wouldn't mention red hat nor the seven stings without it meaning something.
I think the kiss seals the parallel you brought out.
I remember once tricking my cousin into going into a room full of bees/wasps an he got stung a bunch times. Although it's unsatisfyingly literal, it could be something similar. The abundance of clothes sounded like armor against the stings too.
If Sujan hadn't explicitly explained otherwise, I'd consider a twisted Christian interpretation from the perspective of Judas: something about the red hat being a crown of thorns, seven places from which Christ bled, the kiss to betray him, "I meant no harm" as a reference to conflicting desires, "on the length of my arm" as a reference to guilt, etc. Of course, there are obvious difficulties with this interpretation... but it's interesting to note recurrent themes, even if it's more of an exercise.
Wow, I really think you're onto something. Despite sufjan talking about the inspiration, I doubt it's only about that incident. I'm sure he included many more meanings into the song. He must have a new perspective of this incdent and expanded on it. He also could've merged the story with someone elses as well.
Wow, I really think you're onto something. Despite sufjan talking about the inspiration, I doubt it's only about that incident. I'm sure he included many more meanings into the song. He must have a new perspective of this incdent and expanded on it. He also could've merged the story with someone elses as well.
I knew immediately that he wouldn't mention red hat nor the seven stings without it meaning something. I think the kiss seals the parallel you brought out.
I knew immediately that he wouldn't mention red hat nor the seven stings without it meaning something. I think the kiss seals the parallel you brought out.
I remember once tricking my cousin into going into a room full of bees/wasps an he got stung a bunch times. Although it's unsatisfyingly literal, it could be something similar. The abundance of clothes sounded like armor against the stings too.