Ballrooms of Mars

T. Rex's 'Ballrooms of Mars' is a lyrical journey that blends cosmic imagery with earthly experiences, creating a surreal narrative that invites listeners to explore the boundaries of reality and fantasy. The song opens with a promise of transformation and elegance, as the protagonist prepares to dance on a 'trembling plane,' a metaphor for the uncertain and ever-changing nature of life. The 'diamond hands' stacked with roses symbolize beauty and fragility, while the mention of 'wind and cars and people of the past' evokes a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time.

The chorus introduces a mystical element, with the moon singing and the protagonist's face being placed in stone upon a 'hill of stars.' This imagery suggests a timeless, almost mythological existence, where the characters are immortalized in the cosmos. The 'changeless madman' represents a force of nature or fate, guiding the dance of life in the 'Ballrooms of Mars,' a place where time and space converge, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

The second verse contrasts day and night, highlighting the duality of existence. The night is depicted as a time when 'monsters call out the names of men,' referencing the darker, hidden aspects of human nature. The mention of Bob Dylan and Alan Freed, iconic figures in music history, adds a layer of cultural significance, suggesting that even legends are not immune to the mysteries of the night. The protagonist's dance with 'lizard leather boots' and the ability to 'pull the strings that change the faces of men' further emphasizes the theme of transformation and control. The song concludes with a nod to John Lennon, another musical icon, reinforcing the idea that the 'Ballrooms of Mars' is a realm where the past, present, and future intertwine, and where the extraordinary becomes possible.