Mona Lisa

Shakin Stevens' song 'Mona Lisa' delves into the timeless mystery and allure of the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The lyrics draw a parallel between the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa and the complexities of human emotions, particularly those related to love and loneliness. The song questions whether the smile of the Mona Lisa is a facade to hide a broken heart or a genuine expression of warmth and affection. This duality is a central theme, reflecting the painting's historical intrigue and the universal human experience of masking true feelings.

The song also explores the idea of unfulfilled dreams and desires. The line 'Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep, they just lie there, and they die there' suggests that many have sought to understand or connect with the Mona Lisa, only to be met with disappointment. This can be seen as a metaphor for the often unattainable nature of idealized beauty and the human tendency to project their own emotions and desires onto others, only to find that reality does not always meet expectations.

In the latter part of the song, Stevens introduces a character living in a small Italian town, whose beauty is so profound that it 'shames the rose.' This character, much like the Mona Lisa, remains an enigma, with many yearning to love her but ultimately failing to understand her true desires. This reinforces the theme of unattainable beauty and the mystery that surrounds it. The repetition of the question 'Are you warm, are you real Mona Lisa? Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art?' underscores the persistent uncertainty and fascination that the Mona Lisa, and by extension, all enigmatic figures, evoke in those who encounter them.