A Christmas Camel
Procol Harum Lyrics
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Now searching for a place to hide
Still sees the truth quite easily
But shrouds all else in mystery
While madmen in top hats and tails
Impale themselves on six-inch nails
And some Arabian also-ran
Impersonates a watering can
Some Santa Claus-like face of note
Entreats my ears to set afloat
My feeble sick and weary brain
And I am overcome with shame
And hide inside my overcoat
And hurriedly begin to quote
While some Arabian sheikh most grand
Impersonates a hot-dog stand
The Red Cross ambulance outside
Can only mean that I must hide
'Til dusk and finally the night
When I will make a hasty flight
Across the sea and far away
To where the weary exiles stay
And some Arabian oil-well
Impersonates a padded cell
The lyrics of Procol Harum's A Christmas Camel paint a surreal picture of a chaotic world, where bizarre characters and strange events unfold. The first stanza introduces the singer's "Amazon six-triggered bride," a woman who can see the truth but hides all else in mystery. Meanwhile, madmen in top hats and tails impale themselves on six-inch nails, and an Arabian man impersonates a watering can. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, with each subsequent stanza describing similarly strange events and characters.
The second stanza brings in a "Santa Claus-like face of note" who entreats the singer's ears to set afloat. However, the singer is "overcome with shame" and hides inside his overcoat, hurriedly reciting a mantra. In the final stanza, a Red Cross ambulance outside signals the need for the singer to hide until nightfall when he will make a "hasty flight across the sea and far away" to where weary exiles stay. The song concludes with an Arabian oil-well impersonating a padded cell.
Overall, A Christmas Camel offers a vivid and poetic portrayal of a world that is both bizarre and unsettling. The lyrics seem to suggest that there is truth and beauty to be found amidst the chaos, but it is all too easy to get lost in the madness.
Line by Line Meaning
My Amazon six-triggered bride
Describing a partner or a person who is strong and athletic as the Amazon warriors were known for their strength and skill with their weapons.
Now searching for a place to hide
Trying to escape from something, or someone who is chasing after them.
Still sees the truth quite easily
Despite the challenges or situations that are around, this person can still see what is happening clearly and truthfully.
But shrouds all else in mystery
This person hides or keeps all the other things surrounding them in secret, only revealing what they think is necessary.
While madmen in top hats and tails
People who behave in a crazy manner, but do so while looking sophisticated and classy.
Impale themselves on six-inch nails
Going to extreme lengths to achieve something, even if it means hurting themselves in the process.
And some Arabian also-ran
Referring to someone who is not successful, or does not do well in a particular activity or event.
Impersonates a watering can
Trying to act as something or someone they are not, in this case, pretending to be a watering can.
Some Santa Claus-like face of note
A person who resembles Santa Claus, either by their looks or behavior.
Entreats my ears to set afloat
Someone is trying to persuade or convince this person to do something using kind and pleasant language.
My feeble sick and weary brain
Feeling weak and exhausted, both mentally and physically.
And I am overcome with shame
Feeling guilty or embarrassed about something that has happened or been done.
And hide inside my overcoat
Trying to conceal or hide from something, covering themselves with a coat or any other protective material.
And hurriedly begin to quote
Trying to come up with an explanation or excuse quickly, often by quoting someone else's words.
While some Arabian sheikh most grand
A wealthy and powerful man from Arabia, perhaps a ruler or a prince.
Impersonates a hot-dog stand
Trying to act as something or someone they are not, in this case, pretending to be a hot-dog stand.
The Red Cross ambulance outside
A vehicle used to transport injured or sick people, marked with the symbol of the international humanitarian organization - the Red Cross.
Can only mean that I must hide
The presence of the ambulance could be a sign that something dangerous or unwanted is happening, hence, this person must remain hidden to avoid harm or punishment.
Til dusk and finally the night
Waiting until the evening, when it is dark and silent, to move or act.
When I will make a hasty flight
Running away or leaving quickly without any proper planning, perhaps to escape or avoid danger.
Across the sea and far away
Traveling across the ocean, to a place that is distant and remote.
To where the weary exiles stay
Going to a place where people are forced to live far away from their homes, and where they feel tired, alone, and helpless.
And some Arabian oil-well
A source of oil that is found in Arabia, a place that is known for its vast oil reserves and wealth.
Impersonates a padded cell
Trying to act as something or someone they are not, in this case, pretending to be a padded cell, which is often used to isolate and protect people with mental disorders.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: REID BROOKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip E
on Pandora's Box
historical and literary refs to evil and hope e.g. verse 3: c.s.lewis (edmund's first encounter with the white witch)