Citadel

The Rolling Stones' song 'Citadel' is a fascinating blend of surreal imagery and social commentary, wrapped in the band's signature rock sound. The lyrics paint a picture of a fortified city, a 'citadel,' that stands as a metaphor for modern society's isolation and detachment. The opening lines, 'Men are armed shout who goes there / We have journeyed far from here / Armed with bibles make us swear,' suggest a world on guard, suspicious and defensive, perhaps alluding to the Cold War era's pervasive sense of paranoia and the quest for ideological purity.

The recurring mention of 'Candy and Taffy' introduces a contrasting element of innocence and sweetness, which seems out of place in the harsh, concrete environment of the citadel. This juxtaposition could symbolize the longing for simpler, more genuine human connections amidst the impersonal and materialistic world. The 'flags flying, dollar bills / Round the heights of concrete hills' further emphasize the dominance of capitalism and the loss of individuality in the face of towering economic structures.

As the song progresses, the imagery of 'screaming people fly so fast / In their shiny metal cars / Through the woods of steel and glass' captures the frantic pace of modern life, where people are constantly moving but perhaps not truly living. The citadel, with its many walls and crawling peasants, represents a society divided by class and disconnected from its own humanity. The repeated plea, 'Please come see me in the citadel,' underscores a deep yearning for connection and understanding in a world that feels increasingly alienating and fragmented.