Images
Hilary Sloan Lyrics

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She does not know
Her beauty,
She thinks her brown body
Has no glory.

If she could dance
Naked,
Under palm trees

And see her image in the river

She would know.
But there are no palm trees

On the street,
And dishwater gives back no images.

The song "Images" by Hilary Sloan is a powerful commentary on self-image and beauty standards. The opening lyrics reveal a woman who is unaware of her own beauty, feeling that her dark skin is somehow lacking in glory or value. The song then explores the idea that if the woman were to step outside of societal norms and dance naked under palm trees, seeing her own image reflected back in the river, she would understand her own worth and beauty.

However, the harsh reality is that there are no palm trees on the street, no natural environment where a woman can truly see herself without the distortions of societal expectations. Even the mundane task of washing dishes can not provide a clear image of self. This song is a poignant reminder that beauty is so often measured by standards that do not reflect the full diversity of human beauty, and that true understanding of our own worth often requires breaking free from those standards.

Overall, "Images" by Hilary Sloan is a moving tribute to the strength and resilience of those who struggle to see their own beauty in a world that seeks to narrow the definition of what is beautiful.

Line by Line Meaning

She does not know
She is unaware

Her beauty,
The attractiveness of her body

She thinks her brown body
She believes that her body's complexion

Has no glory.
Has no honor or praise

If she could dance
In case she could move to the rhythm of the music

Naked,
Without clothing on

Under palm trees
Beneath tropical foliage

And see her image in the river
Observe her reflection in the water

She would know.
She would understand

But there are no palm trees
However, there isn't any tropical vegetation around

On the street,
In the local area