Kiss And Tell

Bryan Ferry's 'Kiss And Tell' delves into the commodification of love and the superficiality of fame. The song opens with the line 'Ten cents a dance,' immediately setting the stage for a narrative where love and affection are transactional. This metaphor extends throughout the song, suggesting that in a world where 'it's only love for sale,' genuine emotions are often overshadowed by materialistic pursuits. The reference to 'Adam and Eve' as 'the oldest game in town' further emphasizes the timeless nature of these themes, hinting at the inherent human tendency to commodify relationships.

The chorus, 'Kiss and tell, money talks - it never lies,' underscores the idea that in the public eye, actions and words are often driven by financial incentives rather than genuine feelings. The phrase 'eye for an eye' suggests a tit-for-tat mentality, where every action has a corresponding reaction, often driven by self-interest. The imagery of 'fever - the heat of the night' and 'dreamer - stealer of sighs' paints a picture of intense, fleeting passions that are ultimately unfulfilling.

Ferry also critiques the nature of fame with lines like 'One public face in a private limousine' and 'Flash photograph, it's the only light you see.' These lyrics highlight the dichotomy between public personas and private lives, suggesting that the constant scrutiny and lack of privacy can be isolating. The repetition of 'Kiss and tell' at the end of the song reinforces the cyclical nature of these themes, as if to say that the superficiality and transactional nature of love and fame are inescapable.