Cupid's Dead

Extreme's song 'Cupid's Dead' delves into the disillusionment and cynicism surrounding modern love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where romantic ideals have crumbled, and the once-powerful symbol of love, Cupid, is declared dead. The song opens with a reference to a tragic news story, hinting at a suicide, which sets a somber tone. The letterhead reading 'Dear Johnny' and the phrase 'tainted truth' suggest a betrayal or a love gone wrong, leading to a sense of hopelessness. The imagery of an arrow that once pierced the heart now pointing to an apple on the head symbolizes the futility and danger of love in this context.

The chorus, repeating 'Cupid's dead, headlines read,' emphasizes the public and sensational nature of this loss of love. The reference to Romeo, a classic symbol of romantic love, further underscores the theme of lost and unfulfilled love. The lyrics suggest that if one reads between the lines, the demise of love is evident, and the once eternal love has withered away. The mention of a paperboy left in the cold and a love that got old adds to the narrative of love's decline and the harsh reality of its end.

The song's bridge and final verses offer a more personal reflection on the aftermath of love's death. The imagery of a crime of passion and the victim found in bed with a bow and arrow and a letter reading 'Cupid's dead' is both tragic and darkly humorous. The lyrics then shift to a message of resilience and self-reliance. The narrator acknowledges the pain and loss but encourages moving on, standing strong, and finding love within oneself. The repeated declaration that 'Cupid is dead' serves as a call to abandon old romantic ideals and embrace a more self-sufficient approach to love and life.