The Infant Kiss

Kate Bush's 'The Infant Kiss' is a haunting and complex exploration of forbidden desire and the unsettling intersection of innocence and adult emotions. The song is inspired by the 1961 film 'The Innocents,' which is itself an adaptation of Henry James's novella 'The Turn of the Screw.' In the song, Bush delves into the psyche of a governess who becomes disturbingly attracted to a young boy in her care, a theme that is both provocative and deeply unsettling.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the governess's internal struggle. She is acutely aware of the inappropriateness of her feelings, as evidenced by lines like 'I've never fallen for a little boy before' and 'I cannot sit and let something happen I'll regret.' The repeated refrain of 'let go, let go, let go' underscores her desperate attempt to maintain control over her emotions. The song's tension is heightened by the eerie, almost supernatural quality of the boy, who seems to possess an adult's understanding and ability to manipulate, as suggested by the lines 'There's a man behind those eyes' and 'You know how to work me.'

Bush's vocal delivery and the song's arrangement further amplify the sense of unease. Her voice oscillates between tender and tormented, mirroring the governess's conflicted feelings. The music, with its haunting melodies and unsettling harmonies, creates an atmosphere of suspense and dread. This combination of lyrical content and musical composition makes 'The Infant Kiss' a powerful exploration of taboo and the darker aspects of human desire.

The song also touches on themes of power and vulnerability. The governess is in a position of authority, yet she feels powerless against her own emotions and the boy's unsettling presence. This dynamic adds another layer of complexity to the song, making it a rich subject for analysis and discussion.