Medusa

Sweet's song 'Medusa' delves into the mythological tale of Medusa, a figure from Greek mythology known for her hair of snakes and her deadly gaze that turns onlookers to stone. The lyrics are rich with references to her tragic story, capturing the essence of her curse and the fear she instills in those who dare to look upon her. The song opens with Medusa reflecting on Athene's (Athena's) false claims and the transformation of her golden hair into snakes, setting the stage for her cursed existence.

The chorus repeatedly asks, 'Are you coming to see me? Can you see me now?' This can be interpreted as Medusa's challenge to those who are curious about her, daring them to face the consequences of their curiosity. The lyrics 'Those who gaze upon me turn to stone' and 'Turn away before YOU turn to stone' serve as a stark warning, emphasizing the peril of confronting Medusa directly. The song captures the duality of Medusa's existence—her allure and the danger she represents.

The references to Minerva's (another name for Athena) mirrored shield and the sword that sealed Medusa's fate highlight the climax of her myth, where Perseus uses a reflective shield to avoid her gaze and ultimately beheads her. The repeated lines 'Take my head the horror's just begun' and 'Snakes alive my gaze will make you stone' underscore the horror and inevitability of her curse. Sweet's 'Medusa' not only retells an ancient myth but also explores themes of beauty, danger, and the tragic consequences of divine punishment.