Steel And Glass

John Lennon's 'Steel And Glass' is a scathing critique of a person who embodies the superficiality and emptiness often associated with fame and high society. The song opens with a direct address to this individual, highlighting their polished exterior with phrases like 'L.A. tan' and 'New York walk and talk.' These lines suggest a person who has adopted the glamorous but hollow lifestyle of the rich and famous, masking deeper insecurities and emotional scars, such as being abandoned by their mother at a young age.

The recurring metaphor of 'steel and glass' serves as a powerful image of this person's facade. Steel and glass are materials often used in modern architecture, symbolizing strength and transparency. However, in the context of the song, they represent coldness and fragility. The repetition of these words underscores the idea that beneath the shiny exterior lies a brittle and unfeeling core. The line 'Your phone don't ring, no one answers your call' further emphasizes the isolation and loneliness that come with living a life built on appearances and deceit.

Lennon also critiques the individual's dishonesty and manipulation. Phrases like 'your mouthpiece squawks as he spreads your lies' and 'you can't pull strings if your hands are tied' suggest that this person relies on others to maintain their false image, but ultimately, they are trapped by their own deceit. The imagery of 'leaving your smell like an alley cat' adds a final touch of disdain, painting a picture of someone who leaves a negative impact wherever they go. Through 'Steel And Glass,' Lennon delivers a poignant message about the emptiness of a life built on superficiality and deception, urging listeners to look beyond the facade and seek genuine connections and authenticity.