Emile’s Vietnam In The Sky
Elvis Perkins Lyrics

Jean Cocteau is covered in butter
The singer imagines a surreal scene where the French artist Jean Cocteau is covered in butter, suggesting a sense of absurdity and chaos.

The ghosts of Cappucino and Zaza hover
The singer continues the surreal imagery by painting a picture of two ghosts hovering around, named after a popular coffee drink and a nickname for someone's grandmother.

In the hallway where the devil and his lover
The setting of the strange scene is a hallway where the devil and his lover reside, adding to the ominous and foreboding atmosphere of the song.

Beg you for change on the slide
The devil and his lover ask for change on a children's slide, creating a sense of playfulness and absurdity in the midst of the dark imagery.

There's nothing really like a French blues
The idea of a 'French blues' represents a sense of sadness and longing that is unique to French culture and history.

Blown by an unknown soldier in you
The singer imagines this French blues being played by an unknown soldier inside of the listener, suggesting that we all carry a sense of sadness or longing within us.

To all your regrets and you rouse
The singer addresses the listener's regrets and the things that stir them awake, alluding to the idea that emotions can be unpredictable and overwhelming.

I'll meet you down there when I try
The artist offers a sense of companionship and support, suggesting that they will be there for the listener when they struggle to face their emotions.

And do you ever wonder
The artist poses a rhetorical question, inviting the listener to consider the unknown and the mysteries of existence.

Where you go when you die?
The question asked in the previous line is followed up with a specific query about what happens after we pass on from this life.

Emile's Vietnam in the sky
The final line of the chorus references a person named Emile and evokes the image of a war-torn Vietnam, suggesting that the afterlife may be a tumultuous and uncertain place.

Well, I'd take better care of your heart
The artist gives advice to someone about taking care of their emotions and being kind to themselves.

You'll be opening a Sswiss bank account
The singer uses a metaphor of opening a Swiss bank account to suggest that the listener should protect themselves emotionally and build up their resilience.

Let go, it's over now, play your part
The singer encourages the listener to let go of things that have happened in the past and move forward with their life.

You'll be swinging those milk clouds on high
The final line of the song returns to the surreal imagery, suggesting that the listener will be able to achieve great things and reach new heights.