Peace for the Wicked

Mick Jagger's song "Peace for the Wicked" paints a vivid picture of a journey from a life of debauchery to a place of redemption and inner peace. The lyrics open with a description of a seedy, low-down environment filled with sleazy juke joints, where the drinks are abundant, and the atmosphere is charged with anger and superficiality. This setting represents a life of excess and moral decay, where even the pretty girls are reduced to mere objects of desire. Jagger's use of vivid imagery and harsh descriptors sets the stage for a stark contrast with the place he introduces next: Soul City.

Soul City is depicted as a hidden gem, a sanctuary away from the chaos and moral corruption of the previous environment. It's a place where one can truly live a life of passion and dance away their troubles. The repeated mention of "Soul City" emphasizes its significance as a place of refuge and renewal. The lyrics suggest that finding this place is not always easy, even with the keys in hand, symbolizing the difficulty of achieving true peace and redemption. The journey to Soul City is both a physical and metaphorical one, representing the struggle to leave behind a life of sin and find a more meaningful existence.

In Soul City, the roles are reversed, and the atmosphere is one of wit, beauty, and spiritual nourishment. The girls are witty, and the boys are pretty, indicating a harmonious and balanced environment. The song's protagonist finds himself dancing with his conscience and feeling the DJ playing with his heart, suggesting a deep emotional and spiritual connection to this place. The mention of "recriminations" on the screen while singing and praying hard indicates a process of self-reflection and seeking forgiveness. Ultimately, Soul City offers peace for the wicked and food for the spirit, making it a place of ultimate redemption and inner peace.