Salome
Doherty Peter Lyrics

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In the cold, coldest of nights
The fire I light, to warm my bones
Oh love, had enough, of the dreadful cold
And from the flames, appears Salome

I stand before her amazed
As she dances and demands
The head of john the baptist on a plate

In the morning, shaken and disturbed
From under soft white fur
I see the dust in the morning bright sets the room alive
And by the telly appears Salome

I stand before her amazed
As she dances and demands
The head of Isidora Duncan on a plate

Oh, It's Salome
Oh, It's Salome

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peter Doherty's song "Salome" depict a scene set in the coldest of nights, where the singer is seeking warmth by lighting a fire. Symbolically, the fire represents the singer's desire to escape from the emotional coldness or loneliness they have been experiencing. The mention of love suggests that they have experienced disappointment or dissatisfaction in their relationships, possibly due to the "dreadful cold" that has engulfed their heart.

In this vulnerable state, something unexpected occurs. Salome, a figure known from the biblical story, emerges from the flames. Salome was notorious for her seductive dance, which led to the beheading of John the Baptist. The singer is amazed by her presence and the power she holds. The demand for the head of John the Baptist on a plate represents an extreme desire for control, dominance, or even revenge. It could symbolize the singer's own desire to have power over others or to cut off unhealthy ties that have held them back in life.

The following morning, the singer awakens feeling shaken and disturbed. This could refer to the aftermath of the intense emotions and desires that Salome's presence stirred in them. The mention of soft white fur suggests a sense of comfort or luxury, possibly alluding to a decadent lifestyle that contrasts with the chaos or darkness in their emotional world. The dust in the morning bright sets the room alive, hinting at a new clarity or awakening to reality.

And yet again, Salome appears, this time in the singer's presence through the television screen, symbolizing the influence of media or external stimuli on their thoughts and desires. The mention of Isidora Duncan, who was a famous American dancer known for her tragic death, suggests a continued fascination with powerful and tragic female figures. Salome, as a projection of the singer's desires and fantasies, seems to persistently demand extreme actions or sacrifices.

Overall, the lyrics suggest a deep longing for warmth and love in the singer's life, but also a tendency to be captivated by intense and destructive forces. Salome represents a symbol for the darker aspects of desire and power, driving the singer to confront their own inner conflicts and desires. It is a story of both fascination and terror, exploring the complexities of human emotions and the allure of the dangerous and forbidden.

Line by Line Meaning

In the cold, coldest of nights
During the harshest and most difficult times

The fire I light, to warm my bones
I create a flame to provide comfort and solace

Oh love, had enough, of the dreadful cold
Love has grown weary of the unbearable coldness

And from the flames, appears Salome
And from the fiery depths emerges Salome

I stand before her amazed
I am in awe as I face her

As she dances and demands
While she gracefully moves and makes her requests

The head of John the Baptist on a plate
She desires to have John the Baptist's severed head presented to her

In the morning, shaken and disturbed
During the morning, feeling unsettled and disconcerted

From under soft white fur
Beneath a comforting layer of white fur

I see the dust in the morning bright sets the room alive
I observe how the morning sunlight illuminates the dusty room, bringing it to life

And by the telly appears Salome
And next to the television appears Salome