temptation
Diana Krall & Christian McBride Lyrics
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Everything is made from dreams
Time is made from honey slow and sweet
Only the fools know what it means
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't resist
Well I know that he is made of smoke
He knows that I am broke
But I must play
Temptation, oh temptation, temptation, I can't resist
Dutch pink and Italian blue
He is there waiting for you
My will has disappeared
Now confusion is so clear
Temptation, temptation, temptation
I can't resist
Temptation, temptation, temptation
I can't resist
The lyrics to Diana Krall & Christian McBride's song 'Temptation' contain a cocktail of emotions which the songstress laments with a mellow tone. The opening line "Rusted brandy in a diamond glass" draws a parallel to the alluring nature of temptation, which is uncannily similar to rusted brandy. The diamond glass presents that temptation could be shimmering and beautiful, but ultimately will leave us feeling hollow inside. In the second line, "Everything is made from dreams" suggests a world of illusions that we put ourselves into, whose enchantment eventually fades away. The third line "Time is made from honey slow and sweet" portrays the inevitability of time and how we cannot hurry it, instead must let it consume us bit by bit, slowly but surely.
The last line "Only the fools know what it means" could mean an acknowledgment that those who dare to follow their heart and give into temptation might seem foolish to others, whereas in reality, they are brave for following their innermost desires. The following lines of the song express the unrelenting power of temptation, citing it as a force against which the singer is unable to resist. The lines "He knows that I am broke, but I must play" conveys the idea that sometimes we can't help but fall for something, even when we know that the outcome might not be in our favor. The song concludes with the repetition of the phrase "Temptation, oh temptation, temptation, I can't resist" signifying the singer's inability to overcome the urges.
Line by Line Meaning
Rusted brandy in a diamond glass
The drink in the fancy glass is old and that which once was valuable is now corroded.
Everything is made from dreams
All that we see around us, tangible and intangible, is born of hope and desire.
Time is made from honey slow and sweet
We treasure time and how it passes but it's also precious in how it's slowly consumed and enjoyed.
Only the fools know what it means
Only those who take heed of what their hearts tell them are considered to be foolish, when in reality they might have greater understanding due to their emotional literacy.
Temptation, temptation, temptation, I can't resist
The artist is acknowledging they're in the throes of a situation that pulls them in, despite knowing it is wrong at some level
Well I know that he is made of smoke
She is aware that his charming presence is just a mirage and does not represent anything unchanging.
But I've lost my way
The temptation is too strong and steers her away from her objective.
He knows that I am broke
The person being tempted recognises that she is in a disillusioned state, and that the chemical related reaction is not healthy for her emotional well-being.
But I must play
Regardless of her fears, she is determined to indulge in the present moment.
Dutch pink and Italian blue
Characteristic elements that are intertwined within the lyrics to create symbolism of woman and background description
He is there waiting for you
Refers to the temptation at the moment being unwanted and waiting on the individual.
My will has disappeared
In the throes of temptation, the individual has lost their own control over their choices.
Now confusion is so clear
Despite the act of indulgence appearing muddled, there is an understanding in that moment that is devoid of confusion.
Temptation, temptation, temptation
I can't resist
Repeating lines again emphasising how strong the temptation is.
Contributed by Kennedy B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.