Carol

Al Stewart's song "Carol" paints a poignant picture of a young woman navigating the turbulent waters of her life. The lyrics delve into Carol's struggles, portraying her as a figure who is both well-known and deeply misunderstood. With her "white rose face" and "orphan clothes," Carol is depicted as an ethereal yet lost soul, frequenting places where others like her congregate. Her rapid speech and enigmatic presence suggest a sense of urgency and confusion, hinting at a deeper turmoil within.

The chorus reveals the crux of Carol's predicament: she is "everyone's and nobody's lover," a person who belongs everywhere and nowhere. This line underscores her transient existence, marked by fleeting connections and a perpetual search for belonging. The mention of a "one-way ticket for all your yesterdays" suggests that Carol is trapped in her past, unable to move forward. Her strained relationship with her parents, particularly her father's neglect and her mother's emotional distance, further compounds her sense of isolation and abandonment.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Carol's life is a series of escapades, symbolized by her "cocaine holiday" and the "muddy stream" of years flowing around her. The imagery of a "silvery ship from the stars" represents her yearning for an escape, a desire to be understood and taken away from her current reality. The final verse, with its theatrical metaphors, highlights the performative aspect of Carol's life. Despite the rough game and the inescapable stage, she continues to play her part, lighting another cigarette as the lights dim and the music starts, finding solace in the temporary forgetfulness it brings.

"Carol" is a haunting exploration of a young woman's quest for identity and belonging amidst a backdrop of neglect and escapism. It captures the essence of a life lived on the fringes, where dreams are fleeting and reality is a constant struggle.