Moonchild
Karen Matheson Lyrics

In Karen Matheson's song 'Moonchild', the lyrics are cryptic and full of imagery that can be interpreted in multiple ways, inviting the listener to think and imagine beyond the words. The opening line "The candy planets cannot close your eyes" can be interpreted as the incapacity of material possessions to provide comfort and safety, even the idea of escaping into another world through candy planets is not enough to forget the ones' own demons. The following lines "They cannot hush the hornets in your head" gives a clear indication that the candy planets were merely an illusion and that the character is carrying a burden in the form of their own thoughts and struggles, which can't be silenced by any external object. It is interesting to note that Karen Matheson's vocals in this song are in Scottish Gaelic, a language that adds its own mystery and depth to the song.

The lines "Like Billy Pilgrim unstuck in time, Fiddle in your hand, climbing down the vine" allude to Billy Pilgrim, a character from Kurt Vonnegut's novel Slaughterhouse-Five, who becomes unstuck in time after being abducted by aliens. The reference implies that the character is in a state of confusion or disorientation, which is reflected in the next line "What cannot be owned must be condemned", highlighting the idea that society cannot understand or accept something that doesn't fit into established conventions.

The chorus "Moonchild, high on high, Moonchild, born to make your mother cry, Moonchild, howling all night to the moonchild" seems to be addressed to the character, whose behavior is unconventional and disruptive, resulting in their mother's sadness. The repeated use of the word 'Moonchild' creates a sense of self-identification, as if the character is owning their quirks and embracing their identity.