Perfume Song

The song "Perfume Song" by Cecelia Condit is a quirky and somewhat macabre narrative that unfolds through a conversation about perfumes. The lyrics begin with a character expressing delight over a scent that reminds them of 'mother's crazy sister Kate.' This introduction sets a tone of familial relationships and the memories associated with them, which are often tied to sensory experiences like smell. The conversation takes a darkly humorous turn when it's revealed that Aunt Kate once put her poodle in a microwave to dry it, leading to a fatal outcome for both her and the pet. This bizarre anecdote serves as a metaphor for the unexpected and sometimes shocking nature of family stories and the people within them.

The song's structure, which is primarily dialogue, allows listeners to eavesdrop on a personal moment between two individuals. The casual nature of the conversation juxtaposes the grim tale of Aunt Kate, creating a sense of absurdity. The mention of perfume serves as a catalyst for the story, suggesting that scents can evoke powerful and vivid recollections, even those that are unsettling or outlandish. The song ends with the characters planning to meet, indicating that life goes on despite the oddities and tragedies that may occur within a family.

Cecelia Condit's style often includes elements of the surreal and the unexpected, and "Perfume Song" is no exception. The song captures the essence of how ordinary objects, like a bottle of perfume, can hold extraordinary stories and emotions. It's a reminder of the complex tapestry of family dynamics and the peculiar legacies that relatives can leave behind.