The Angel Song

Great White's song "The Angel Song" delves into the harsh realities and disillusionments faced by those who chase dreams in the glittering yet deceptive world of Hollywood. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 'fallen angel,' a metaphor for someone who has been battered and bruised by life's challenges. The angel's wings, symbolizing dreams and aspirations, have been torn away by the cruel nature of reality. However, the song encourages this fallen angel to look beyond the immediate pain and believe in the possibility of 'fly aways,' or new beginnings.

The chorus, with its repeated plea to 'fly lonely angel,' serves as a powerful call to rise above the 'streets of fire'—a metaphor for the dangerous and destructive allure of Hollywood. The 'mad desire' represents the often misguided and obsessive pursuit of fame and success. The song suggests that Hollywood's promise of gold is merely an illusion, a 'trick of light' that blinds and entangles those who seek it. The imagery of a spider's web of tangled lives further emphasizes the complexity and peril of this pursuit.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the dream of Hollywood is not as glamorous as it seems. The 'fragrant nights' and 'light' of the dream are contrasted with the 'hard,' 'mean,' and 'scarred' streets where 'only fools find gold.' The song ultimately offers a message of hope and redemption, urging the fallen angel to 'spread your wings another way' and 'find a better way, a better day.' This suggests that true fulfillment and happiness lie not in the superficial allure of fame but in finding one's own path and escaping the illusions that bind us.