Barbarella
Scott Weiland
A Psychedelic Plea for Salvation: Scott Weiland's 'Barbarella'
Scott Weiland's 'Barbarella' is a complex and introspective song that delves into themes of escapism, self-loathing, and the search for salvation. The song's title and some of its imagery are inspired by the 1968 science fiction film 'Barbarella,' which starred Jane Fonda as a space-traveling heroine. In the song, Weiland seems to be calling out to a Barbarella-like figure to rescue him from his own inner turmoil and existential despair.
The lyrics are filled with vivid and often surreal imagery, such as 'You sing the pink love fuzz / And dance the musty queer,' which evoke a sense of disorientation and confusion. Weiland juxtaposes these whimsical lines with more grounded expressions of his struggles, like 'I'm a selfish piece of shit' and 'Can't you see it's a disease.' This contrast highlights the duality of his experience—caught between a fantastical escape and the harsh reality of his own self-perception.
Weiland's references to being 'lost in space' and the inability to 'hold time by holding time' suggest a feeling of being adrift and disconnected from reality. The repeated plea for Barbarella to 'come and save me from my misery' underscores his desperation for relief and redemption. The song also touches on themes of faith and belief, as Weiland sings, 'Let go, let god they say / I do believe, but not in yours or yours / I just believe it's all the same.' This line reflects a sense of spiritual searching and skepticism, adding another layer to the song's rich tapestry of meaning.
Overall, 'Barbarella' is a poignant and multi-faceted exploration of a troubled mind seeking solace in both fantastical and spiritual realms. Weiland's raw and honest lyrics, combined with the song's psychedelic sound, create a powerful and evocative listening experience.