Kangaroo

This Mortal Coil's song 'Kangaroo' is a haunting exploration of desire, connection, and the enigmatic nature of human interactions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's encounters with a captivating individual, marked by a sense of immediacy and raw emotion. The opening lines set the stage with a simple yet evocative image: the person in blue jeans, whose eyes reveal an unguarded truth. This initial meeting is charged with a sense of intimacy, as the narrator observes the person's breathing and their distant gaze, suggesting a deeper, perhaps unspoken, connection.

The narrative progresses to a party scene, where the person is described as a 'queen, oh, so flirty.' This portrayal adds layers to their character, blending regality with a playful, almost untouchable allure. The narrator's bold approach, 'came against, didn't say excuse,' signifies a moment of audacious contact, breaking social norms and creating a charged atmosphere. The reference to 'Saint Joan' and 'doing a cool, cool jerk' introduces a historical and cultural metaphor, likening the person's demeanor to that of Joan of Arc, a figure of strength and defiance, while the 'cool jerk' dance move adds a touch of 1960s counterculture.

The repeated refrain, 'Oh, I want you... Like a kangaroo,' is both intriguing and ambiguous. The kangaroo, an animal known for its powerful leaps and unique mode of movement, symbolizes a desire that is both intense and unconventional. This metaphor encapsulates the narrator's longing, which is not just for physical closeness but also for the freedom and unpredictability that the kangaroo represents. The song, with its ethereal soundscape and poetic lyrics, captures the essence of fleeting yet profound connections, leaving listeners to ponder the complexities of desire and human interaction.