Sebastian

Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel's song 'Sebastian' is a rich tapestry of poetic imagery and enigmatic storytelling. The lyrics are drenched in a sense of mystery and allure, painting a vivid picture of a character named Sebastian who seems to be a symbol of both fascination and confusion. The song opens with a candle burning low, a metaphor for a dwindling sense of clarity or perhaps a fading relationship. The singer struggles to place the name 'cherie,' indicating a sense of disorientation or loss of connection. This sets the tone for a journey through a kaleidoscope of thoughts and emotions, where rearranging these thoughts feels like an act of self-destruction.

The recurring line 'Somebody called me Sebastian' suggests an identity that is both assumed and elusive. Sebastian could be a persona, a mask that the singer wears, or a reflection of how others perceive him. The lyrics are filled with vivid descriptions, such as 'Your Persian eye sparkle; your lips, ruby blue never speak a sound,' which evoke a sense of exotic beauty and silent allure. The mention of Parisian demands and societal views further complicates the narrative, suggesting a clash between personal desires and societal expectations.

The song's chorus, with its call to 'mangle my mind, love me sublime, do it in style,' captures the essence of a tumultuous yet passionate relationship. The imagery of a 'Pale angel face; green eye-shadow, the glitter is outasite' adds to the song's dreamlike quality, blending elements of glam rock with poetic introspection. The final lines, 'Dance on my heart, laugh, swoop and dart,' encapsulate the playful yet poignant nature of the relationship, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and beauty. 'Sebastian' is a song that invites multiple interpretations, each listen revealing new layers of meaning and emotion.