Dead And Lovely

Tom Waits' song 'Dead And Lovely' paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of a young woman who falls victim to the allure of a seemingly glamorous life. The lyrics tell the story of a middle-class girl who gets involved with a wealthy, enigmatic man. She believes she has found something extraordinary, symbolized by the metaphor of having 'the Moon in her pocket.' However, this illusion quickly shatters, leading to her tragic demise. The repeated refrain 'now she's dead, forever dead, and lovely now' underscores the permanence of her fate and the ironic beauty found in her tragic end.

The song delves into themes of deception, superficiality, and the dangers of living a life based on appearances. The man in the story is described as having a 'bulletproof smile' and 'money to burn,' indicating his charm and wealth. Yet, he is also manipulative and controlling, treating the girl as an accessory rather than a partner. The advice 'don't let a fool kiss you, never marry for love' serves as a cynical warning against naivety and romantic idealism. This advice, coupled with the girl's ultimate fate, suggests a critique of societal values that prioritize wealth and status over genuine human connection.

Waits' lyrics also explore the idea of identity and the lengths to which people will go to reinvent themselves. The girl 'made up someone to be' and 'somewhere to be from,' highlighting the fluidity of identity in a world where appearances can be deceiving. The line 'everything that is left, they will only plow under' speaks to the transient nature of life and the inevitability of being forgotten. The song's melancholic tone and vivid imagery create a poignant narrative that resonates with listeners, reminding them of the fragility of dreams and the harsh realities that often lie beneath the surface.