Yellow Is The Color

Donovan's song "Yellow Is The Color" paints a vivid picture of a young woman's life, filled with a sense of melancholy and disillusionment. The lyrics describe a Saturday night that feels like a Sunday, suggesting a sense of monotony and lack of excitement. The protagonist is a young girl navigating through a world filled with superficiality and phoniness, as she tries to find her place and meaning in life. The repeated mention of feeling lonely underscores the emotional isolation she experiences despite being surrounded by people.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative. The lines about the cafe, the milk being gone, and the sad, fading light create a somber atmosphere. The mention of touching oneself but not too much, as it's considered degrading, hints at the societal pressures and judgments the young woman faces. The wilting flowers on her stockings and the book being someone's opinion of moonlight further emphasize the theme of disillusionment and the loss of innocence.

The song also touches on the superficiality of the social scene the protagonist is part of. Her friends are making pop stars and models, but she sees through the facade and recognizes the emptiness behind it. The reference to sitting in a one-room apartment in London adds to the sense of confinement and loneliness. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the cyclical nature of her life, where every Saturday night feels like a Sunday, and the loneliness persists. Donovan's lyrical style, characterized by its poetic and introspective nature, effectively captures the emotional landscape of the young woman's life, making the song a poignant reflection on modern loneliness and disillusionment.