Ooh La La
Goldfrapp
The Electric Allure of Desire in Goldfrapp's 'Ooh La La'
Goldfrapp's 'Ooh La La' is a pulsating, electrifying exploration of desire and sensuality. The song's lyrics are infused with a sense of urgency and longing, conveyed through the repeated phrases 'I need la la la la la la' and 'I need ooh la la la la.' This repetition emphasizes the insatiable nature of the desire being expressed. The use of technological metaphors, such as 'Dial up my number now' and 'Weaving it through the wire,' suggests a modern, almost mechanical connection, highlighting the intersection of human emotion and digital communication.
The lyrics 'Switch me on, turn me up' and 'Don't want it Baudelaire, just glitter lust' juxtapose high art with raw, unfiltered passion. By referencing Baudelaire, a poet known for his exploration of beauty and decadence, the song contrasts intellectualized love with a more primal, glittering lust. This duality is further explored in lines like 'Oh child of Venus, you're just made for love,' invoking the Roman goddess of love and beauty to underscore the natural, almost divine aspect of the attraction.
The song also touches on themes of vulnerability and the fleeting nature of pleasure. Lines such as 'A broken heel like a heart, I'll never walk again' suggest that the pursuit of desire can lead to pain and heartbreak. Yet, despite this, the narrator remains drawn to the allure of love and lust, willing to embrace the highs and lows that come with it. Goldfrapp's 'Ooh La La' is a vivid portrayal of the complexities of desire, blending modernity with timeless themes of love and longing.