Island In The Sun

Alcatrazz's song 'Island In The Sun' paints a vivid picture of a place that is both a sanctuary and a prison. The lyrics describe an island, referred to as 'the rock,' which serves as a resting place for the rich and famous, as well as the infamous. This duality suggests a place where people go to escape the pressures of the outside world, yet they are still trapped by their own reputations and the lies they tell each other. The island becomes a metaphor for isolation, where the truth is elusive, and the inhabitants are caught in a web of deceit.

The chorus, 'On an island in the sun, cool pacific winds blow,' evokes a sense of tranquility and escape. The imagery of the cool winds and the sun suggests a paradise, yet the underlying tone of the song hints at a more complex reality. The island is not just a physical place but a state of mind, where the inhabitants are both inspired and confined by their surroundings. The poets who write in 'basic prose' on the walls of their 'sunset blvd.' find inspiration in their isolation, yet they are also limited by it. Their nine-by-five rooms symbolize the constraints of their environment, even as they seek to create and express themselves.

The song's bridge and solo sections further emphasize the theme of isolation and the search for meaning. The repetition of the chorus with a key change suggests a shift in perspective, as if the inhabitants of the island are beginning to see their situation in a new light. The mention of 'two sailawena's' is cryptic, but it could symbolize a longing for connection or escape. Ultimately, 'Island In The Sun' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, exploring the tension between isolation and inspiration, and the ways in which we seek to find meaning in our lives.