Josephine
Magnetic Fields Lyrics
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We could go to drive-in films in my red convertible
If I were Napoleon, I might be in magazines
I'd write some science fiction - science fiction about you
You could be my Josephine: just you and your chaperone
Let you be my Josephine, Josephine
If I were Napoleon, you could be my lady love
Look into my soft blue eyes
If I were Napoleon, you could be my turtle-dove
Living out in Corsica in our summer cottages
And you could be my Josephine and we could be Siamese twins
Let you be my Josephine, Josephine
The Magnetic Fields' "Josephine" is a love song with a romanticized view of a relationship between a Napoleon-like figure and a woman named Josephine. The song envisions an idyllic life, with drive-in movies, summer cottages, and tender moments between the two lovers. However, despite the seemingly simple lyrics, there are deeper interpretations that can be drawn from the song.
Firstly, the song can be viewed as a commentary on the idealization of relationships in art and literature. The singer romanticizes a relationship with Josephine based on images he has seen in books and magazines about Napoleon and Josephine. By doing this, he places a high value on the love between historical figures and hopes to recreate it in his own life. However, the reality of relationships is often messier and more complicated than what is portrayed in art, which can lead to disappointment and disillusionment.
Additionally, the song may be viewed as a commentary on power dynamics in relationships. The singer compares himself to Napoleon, a historical figure known for his ambition and conquests, and envisions a relationship where he is in control. He even suggests that Josephine should bring a chaperone, implying that he may not be entirely trustworthy. This dynamic can be seen in many relationships, where one partner holds more power than the other, leading to issues related to consent and autonomy.
Line by Line Meaning
If I were Napoleon, you could be my Josephine
If I were in a position of power, I would love to have you as my partner
We could go to drive-in films in my red convertible
We can have a romantic time together in my car watching movies
If I were Napoleon, I might be in magazines
If I were famous, I would make sure to be with you and showcase our relationship in magazines
I'd write some science fiction - science fiction about you
I would write a fictional story about us, with you being the main character
You could be my Josephine: just you and your chaperone
You could be my partner, even if you have a chaperone
Let you be my Josephine, Josephine
I would love for you to be my partner and I'd call you my Josephine
If I were Napoleon, you could be my lady love
If I were powerful, I would make you my lady love
Look into my soft blue eyes
Stare into my eyes and see the love I have for you
Run your fingers through my hair
Experience the physical intimacy between us as you touch my hair
If I were Napoleon, you could be my turtle-dove
If I had power, you could be my affectionate and loving partner
Living out in Corsica in our summer cottages
We could live together in a cozy place surrounded by nature
And you could be my Josephine and we could be Siamese twins
You could be my partner for life and we could be inseparable
Let you be my Josephine, Josephine
I would love for you to be my partner and I'd call you my Josephine
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
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