The first and second verse are about the long-enduring battle between the poet and the critic, or, even longer battle between the poet and the philosopher (SEE: The Republic, Book II, III, and X)
The word "moist" here could have dual meanings or even a sexual meaning (as suggested in another comment), but it's very common for the term to be used simply meaning "teared up." So, I think he meant that the ladies got teary-eyed, but he could be wrong.
In the third verse is talking about mourning the end of a relationship.There is the image of him "in" her clothes. I don't think he means he literally dressed himself in her clothes, rather I think he indulged himself in touching or smelling them. He says he would like to forgive her, but he also says he must go begging to her; these statements together are obviously confusing.
By the fourth verse, we've gone from talking about a "you" (the keepers of truth) to the third a "her" and the fourth back to a "you." In the fourth I think he is talking again to the keepers of truth. He is saying the critic remains stoic and untouchable while he assaults the vulnerable poet. He seems to view the relationship as being unfair in this way.
What is most confusing about the song is how the third verse fits into the theme of the critic vs. poet. Was the woman he loved a critic of his, romantically or through his literature? Why is she or the fact that he must say goodbye to her pertinent to the song? I would appreciate anybody who thinks they understand it.
The first and second verse are about the long-enduring battle between the poet and the critic, or, even longer battle between the poet and the philosopher (SEE: The Republic, Book II, III, and X)
The word "moist" here could have dual meanings or even a sexual meaning (as suggested in another comment), but it's very common for the term to be used simply meaning "teared up." So, I think he meant that the ladies got teary-eyed, but he could be wrong.
In the third verse is talking about mourning the end of a relationship.There is the image of him "in" her clothes. I don't think he means he literally dressed himself in her clothes, rather I think he indulged himself in touching or smelling them. He says he would like to forgive her, but he also says he must go begging to her; these statements together are obviously confusing.
By the fourth verse, we've gone from talking about a "you" (the keepers of truth) to the third a "her" and the fourth back to a "you." In the fourth I think he is talking again to the keepers of truth. He is saying the critic remains stoic and untouchable while he assaults the vulnerable poet. He seems to view the relationship as being unfair in this way.
What is most confusing about the song is how the third verse fits into the theme of the critic vs. poet. Was the woman he loved a critic of his, romantically or through his literature? Why is she or the fact that he must say goodbye to her pertinent to the song? I would appreciate anybody who thinks they understand it.
My initial thought is that he's singing an elegy to Karen Carpenter. SHE is the "beauty in disguise" that had to die.
My initial thought is that he's singing an elegy to Karen Carpenter. SHE is the "beauty in disguise" that had to die.
Thoughts? Pro / Con?
Thoughts? Pro / Con?