Hendrix biographer Harry Shapiro describes the theme of "Bold as Love" as being "an Olympian battle of passions whose strategy is mapped out ... self-evidently in colours", noting in relation to the lyrics that "The conclusion has to be that love comes in many hues, love is hard work and to get properly involved takes commitment and courage". AllMusic writer Denise Sullivan explains in a similar way that the song "outlines a rainbow in an epic declaration of love in its many colours", proposing that "One interpretation may be that people are one, despite our different shades; another may be that in all persons there resides an array of emotions, each corresponding to a color" and concluding that "In either case, complete integration is Hendrix's ideal". The practice of using colours as lyrical metaphors has been compared to fellow Axis: Bold as Love track "One Rainy Wish" and Are You Experienced number "Love or Confusion".
Speaking with regard to the musical content, BBC review writer Chris Jones has noted that "Bold as Love" uses "the first flowerings of phasing to make Jimi [Hendrix]'s Strat sound more like a whole orchestra on its trick ending". Shapiro and Glebbeek described the song's use of flanging on the outro:
The rather abrupt editing of the coda takes us into Mitch [Mitchell]'s solo/fill, 'flanged' by Eddie Kramer, an effect achieved by manipulating one of two tape decks running simultaneously and mixing the signal. Jimi [Hendrix] arpeggios and phase-solos his way through the coda, taking the spaceship in stately and regal fashion out of orbit and into the stratosphere.
12. Bold as love
Jimi Hendrix Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Towering in shiny metallic purple armour
Queen Jealousy, envy waits behind him
Her fiery green gown sneers at the grassy ground
Blue are the life-giving waters taken for granted,
They quietly understand
Once happy turquoise armies lay opposite ready,
But they're all bold as love, yeah, they're all bold as love
Yeah, they're all bold as love
Just ask the axis
My red is so confident that he flashes trophies of war
And ribbons of euphoria
Orange is young, full of daring,
But very unsteady for the first go round
My yellow in this case is not so mellow
In fact I'm trying to say it's frightened like me
And all these emotions of mine keep holding me from, eh
Giving my life to a rainbow like you
But, I'm bold as love, yeah, I'm bold as love
Yeah, yeah
Well I'm bold, bold as love (hear me talking, girl)
I'm bold as love
Just ask the axis (he knows everything)
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah!
The opening lines of the song "Bold As Love" by Jimi Hendrix describe anger as a towering force wearing shiny purple armor, while jealousy and envy are personified as Queen Jealousy, whose green gown sneers at the ground. This image highlights the destructive nature of negative emotions and how they can create a barrier between people. The song then transitions to discussing the colors that represent different emotions. Blue represents life-giving waters that are taken for granted, while turquoise armies lay opposite each other wondering why they are fighting. The chorus emphasizes that despite their differences, everyone is "bold as love" and capable of standing up for what they believe in.
In the second verse, Hendrix continues to use colors to symbolize emotions. Red is confident and shows off trophies of war, while orange is young and daring but unsteady. Yellow is frightened, just like Hendrix, but he wants to overcome this fear and be able to open up and "give his life to a rainbow." The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing that everyone is capable of being bold and standing up for what they believe in.
Line by Line Meaning
Anger, he smiles,
Anger is often disguised behind a smile.
Towering in shiny metallic purple armour
Anger can be overpowering and intimidating.
Queen Jealousy, envy waits behind him
Jealousy is often a result of anger, hidden behind the person's facade.
Her fiery green gown sneers at the grassy ground
Jealousy can be destructive, making one overlook the beauty in life.
Blue are the life-giving waters taken for granted,
The importance of life-sustaining resources, like water, is often overlooked and undervalued.
They quietly understand
Nature understands the importance of these resources, even if humans don't.
Once happy turquoise armies lay opposite ready,
Opposing forces were once united and harmonious.
But wonder why the fight is on
But now, they are confused as to why they are fighting against each other.
But they're all bold as love, yeah, they're all bold as love
In the end, love inspires everyone to stand up for what they believe in.
Just ask the axis
The solutions to life's problems lie in the balance of love and understanding.
My red is so confident that he flashes trophies of war
Red, symbolizing war and violence, is often associated with pride and confidence.
And ribbons of euphoria
But the happiness derived from winning is only temporary.
Orange is young, full of daring,
Orange, symbolizing youthfulness and creativity, is full of potential and courage.
But very unsteady for the first go round
But sometimes creativity can be overwhelming and difficult to channel at first.
My yellow in this case is not so mellow
Yellow, usually associated with optimism and happiness, can also be fearful and anxious.
In fact I'm trying to say it's frightened like me
This fearful feeling can be relatable and common to all individuals.
And all these emotions of mine keep holding me from, eh
These emotions can be preventing someone from living their life fully and truthfully.
Giving my life to a rainbow like you
Rainbow, a symbol of diversity and vibrancy, represents living an authentic life.
But, I'm bold as love, yeah, I'm bold as love
Despite these emotions, one can still be brave and confident in expressing themselves.
Well I'm bold, bold as love (hear me talking, girl)
The artist is affirming their own boldness as a means of motivation and confidence.
I'm bold as love
Being bold and true to oneself is a powerful way of living life.
Just ask the axis (he knows everything)
The universe recognizes and celebrates those who live life in a bold and authentic way.
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah!
Lyrics Ā© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jimi Hendrix
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Devin Kennedy
on Spanish Castle Magic (alternate take)
Is this really the alternete take