SWLABR

Cream's song 'SWLABR' is a quintessential example of the psychedelic rock era, filled with vivid imagery and cryptic metaphors. The title itself, an acronym for 'She Walks Like a Bearded Rainbow,' sets the tone for the surreal and whimsical nature of the lyrics. The song explores themes of fleeting relationships and the deceptive nature of appearances, wrapped in a kaleidoscope of colors and fantastical elements.

The lyrics describe a person who comes and goes, leaving the narrator feeling abandoned and alone. The repeated imagery of a 'rainbow with a beard' and a 'picture with a mustache' suggests that things are not always as they seem. These metaphors could be interpreted as a commentary on the superficiality and hidden flaws in relationships. The 'rainbow feel' and 'pure feel' evoke a sense of initial attraction and idealization, but the added 'beard' and 'mustache' reveal underlying imperfections.

The song also delves into the emotional impact of these fleeting encounters. The lines 'Running to me a-cryin' when he throws you out' and 'on your own again' highlight the cyclical nature of seeking comfort and then being left alone. The 'soulful look' on the person's face, combined with the assertion that they've 'never ever done one wrong thing,' adds a layer of irony, suggesting a facade of innocence and purity that masks deeper complexities. The vibrant colors and 'wonderland' imagery further enhance the psychedelic experience, making the listener question the reality and illusion in both the song and their own lives.