A few months into the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020, John Flansburgh suggested to John Linnell that the two create solo releases during lockdown. Roman Songs, a four track EP, released on July 2, 2021.
Iowa
John Linnell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flying around on a broom
Iowa
Is a witch
She's a witch
She's a witch
She's a witch
Matching black dress
And a cat
Iowa
Is a witch
She's a witch
She's a witch
She's a witch
"And if that broom don't fly,
I'm gonna buy you
A Dustbuster."
(dustbuster noise)
Stirs a large iron pot
Casting a spell
On Vermont
Iowa
Is a witch
She's a witch
She's a witch
She's a witch
She is a witch
She is a witch
She is a witch
The lyrics of John Linnell's song Iowa are a playful ode to a witch named Iowa. The song describes Iowa as a witch who flies around on a broomstick, dressed in a conical hat and a black dress, and accompanied by a cat. The witch is also seen stirring a large iron pot and casting a spell on Vermont.
The song appears to be inspired by the folklore surrounding witches and their mysterious ways. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Iowa as an elusive figure who moves effortlessly through the air and wields great power through her magic spells. However, the playful nature of the song suggests that the portrayal of Iowa as a villainous witch is not meant to be taken too seriously.
The song can be seen as a tribute to the Halloween season and an acknowledgment of the cultural significance that witches have played in our collective imagination. The lyrics encourage us to embrace the playful side of the holiday and to enjoy the spectacle of witches and other Halloween characters.
Line by Line Meaning
Silhouette on the moon
A witch's profile seen on the moon.
Flying around on a broom
A witch travels on a broomstick through the sky.
Iowa
The witch being talked about is from the state of Iowa.
Is a witch
The subject being discussed is a witch.
She's a witch
The person being referred to is a witch.
She's a witch
The witch being described is female.
She's a witch
It has been established that the subject is a witch.
She likes the conical hat
The Iowa witch enjoys wearing a pointed hat.
Matching black dress
The witch's dress is of a matching color to her hat.
And a cat
The witch also has a cat.
Iowa
The witch being talked about is from Iowa.
Is a witch
The witch being discussed is a witch.
She's a witch
The person being referred to is a witch.
She's a witch
The witch being described is female.
She's a witch
It has been established that the subject is a witch.
"And if that broom don't fly,
I'm gonna buy you
A Dustbuster."
(dustbuster noise)
If the witch's broom doesn't work, the artist will provide her with a Dustbuster instead, and makes a noise to simulate its use.
Stirs a large iron pot
The Iowa witch is cooking in a big iron pot, which is likely a cauldron.
Casting a spell
The witch is performing a magical incantation.
On Vermont
The Iowa witch's spell is being cast on the state of Vermont.
Iowa
The witch being talked about is from Iowa.
Is a witch
The witch being discussed is a witch.
She's a witch
The person being referred to is a witch.
She's a witch
The witch being described is female.
She's a witch
It has been established that the subject is a witch.
She is a witch
Reemphasizing the point that the subject is a witch.
She is a witch
Confirming the singer's belief that the subject is indeed a witch.
She is a witch
Reiterating that the person being discussed is a witch.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN LINNELL, JOHN S. LINNELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind