Soul Love

David Bowie's 'Soul Love' is a track from his 1972 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars', which is often hailed as one of the most important albums in the glam rock genre. The song delves into the concept of love in its various forms and the complexities that come with it.

The lyrics of 'Soul Love' explore different scenarios of love, each presenting a unique perspective. The opening verse speaks of 'stone love', which can be interpreted as a love that is unmoving and eternal, symbolized by a woman mourning at a grave. This sets a tone of love's permanence even in the face of death. The second verse shifts to 'new love', capturing the innocence and exclusivity of a budding romance between a young couple. Here, love is fresh and all-consuming. The chorus, however, presents a more cynical view, suggesting that love can be indiscriminate and even foolish ('idiot love'), leading to unintended consequences. Bowie's mention of 'the flaming dove', a symbol often associated with the Holy Spirit and peace, could imply a yearning for a pure, divine love, or a critique of the idea that love is inherently good and selfless.

The song's final verse introduces 'soul love', which seems to be a spiritual or religious love, as indicated by the reference to a priest. Yet, there's an undercurrent of loneliness and isolation, hinting at the idea that even the most sacred forms of love can leave one feeling disconnected. Throughout the song, Bowie seems to be wrestling with the notion that while love is a powerful and driving force in human experience, it is not always synonymous with kindness or happiness ('love is not loving'). The song's intricate examination of love's multifaceted nature invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and understandings of love.