How Beautiful You Are

The song 'How Beautiful You Are' by The Cure delves into the complexities of human perception, particularly how we see beauty in others and the world around us. The lyrics recount a story of a couple in Paris, a city often romanticized for its beauty and love. As they walk through the rain, they encounter a family in rags, which becomes a pivotal moment for the narrator. The family, despite their poverty, sees beauty in the narrator's companion, expressing admiration and joy. However, the companion's reaction to their gaze reveals a lack of empathy and understanding, which leads to the narrator's disillusionment.

The song's chorus, where the father and boy express how beautiful the narrator's companion is, juxtaposes the physical beauty with the ugliness of her reaction to the less fortunate. The child's joy, despite having nothing, contrasts sharply with the companion's discomfort at being stared at. This moment highlights the disparity between external beauty and the beauty of the soul. The narrator's realization that understanding and love are perhaps unattainable dreams reflects a deep cynicism about human relationships and our ability to truly connect with one another.

The Cure is known for their post-punk and new wave sound, often exploring themes of love, loss, and existential angst. 'How Beautiful You Are' is a poignant example of their ability to weave narrative storytelling with a haunting melody to convey complex emotional landscapes. The song serves as a commentary on the superficiality of society's beauty standards and the often overlooked inner beauty that can be found in kindness and compassion.