For more than twenty years he has been releasing, to only marginal commercial and critical success, playful and transgressive albums on labels in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. In his lyrics and his other writing he makes seemingly random use of decontextualized pieces of continental (mostly French) philosophy, and has built up a personal world he says is "dominated by values like diversity, orientalism, and a respect for otherness." He is also known in certain circles outside the U.S. as a producer. He is fascinated by identity, Japan, the avant-garde, time travel and sex. Live Momus shows are rare but when he does perform he often sings the crowd favourite 'maf' from the Stars Forever LP.
He wears a patch over his right eye because he lost the use of it after contracting acanthamoeba keratitis from a contact lens case washed with Greek tap water.
Nick Currie currently resides in Osaka, Japan.
Lucretia Borgia
Momus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though we're frankly surprised you're appalled
We thought you'd be ecstatic
To see us so happy
Being your two closest friends and all
We are not really that thirsty, Lucretia Borgia
We will not take two goblets of wine
But we're due at the Pitti Palace
Maybe some other time
I'm grateful for everything you did, Lucretia Borgia
And I hope you're not disappointed in me
Your legendary parties for wealthy old hearties
Were the talk of all Tuscany
No I shall not take a walk with your friend Luigi
Although as henchmen go he's all right
I won't take that walk, and I don't want to talk
Maybe some other night
I don't know why it didn't work for us, Lucretia Borgia
It wasn't your motto 'Might makes right'
I didn't mind your snobbery or your two charming hobbies
Vindictive murder and spite
Don't show me the door, Lucretia Borgia
It leads to the Arno, I know
It opens on a stair which leads to a tower
Where no-one must go
Your first marriage was anulled
Your second husband got killed
You slept with your father
And sucked your brother's dick
But, hey, everybody needs to get a kick out of life
Lucretia what are you doing with that knife?
The song "Lucretia Borgia" by Momus is a witty and ironic critique of the titular figure, a powerful and notorious Renaissance woman known for her cruel and extravagant behavior. In the lyrics, the singer, who may be one of Lucretia's former lovers or associates, is apologizing for sleeping with her best friend, which seems to have upset her despite her own libertine reputation. The singer also declines an invitation to drink wine with Lucretia, claiming they have other plans, and expresses gratitude for the lavish parties she threw in Tuscany for wealthy men. However, the singer ultimately decides to distance themselves from Lucretia and her morally dubious actions, refusing to walk with her henchman Luigi and criticizing her for engaging in murder, snobbery, and incest.
The song contains a number of allusions to Lucretia Borgia's scandalous life, including her annulled first marriage, her second husband's apparently violent death, and rumors that she engaged in incestuous relationships with her family members. However, Momus's lyrics also mock the idea of romanticizing or idealizing such figures, instead offering a sarcastic and irreverent perspective on their lives and legacies. Through its clever wordplay and satirical tone, "Lucretia Borgia" calls into question the notions of power, morality, and reputation that were central to Renaissance society.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sorry I fucked your best friend, Lucretia Borgia
I apologize for having sexual intercourse with your closest acquaintance, Lucretia Borgia
Though we're frankly surprised you're appalled
However, we are honestly astonished you are displeased
We thought you'd be ecstatic
We presumed you would be thrilled
To see us so happy
As we are genuinely content
Being your two closest friends and all
As we are also your dearest comrades
We are not really that thirsty, Lucretia Borgia
We are not particularly desirous of beverages, Lucretia Borgia
We will not take two goblets of wine
We do not intend to consume two cups of wine
We'd love to sip your chalice
We would enjoy sampling your emblematic cup
But we're due at the Pitti Palace
Unfortunately, we are expected at the Pitti Palace
Maybe some other time
Perhaps another occasion
I'm grateful for everything you did, Lucretia Borgia
I am appreciative of all you have done, Lucretia Borgia
And I hope you're not disappointed in me
I trust you are not disillusioned with me
Your legendary parties for wealthy old hearties
Your prominent festivities for affluent elderly individuals
Were the talk of all Tuscany
Were a topic of discussion throughout Tuscany
No I shall not take a walk with your friend Luigi
Absolutely not, I will not accompany your friend Luigi on a stroll
Although as henchmen go he's all right
Despite him fitting the prototype of a henchman
I won't take that walk, and I don't want to talk
I will not take the journey, nor will I engage in dialogue
Maybe some other night
Perhaps another evening
I don't know why it didn't work for us, Lucretia Borgia
I am uncertain why our relationship did not endure, Lucretia Borgia
It wasn't your motto 'Might makes right'
It was not your slogan of exerting power to achieve what is correct
I didn't mind your snobbery or your two charming hobbies
I did not object to your pretentiousness or your pair of delightful pastimes
Vindictive murder and spite
Vengeful killing and malice
Don't show me the door, Lucretia Borgia
Please refrain from directing me toward the exit, Lucretia Borgia
It leads to the Arno, I know
As I am aware, it leads to the Arno River
It opens on a stair which leads to a tower
The door reveals a staircase which leads to a tower
Where no-one must go
A location that nobody should visit
Your first marriage was anulled
Your initial matrimony was voided
Your second husband got killed
Your secondary spouse was murdered
You slept with your father
You engaged in sexual intercourse with your paternal parent
And sucked your brother's dick
Additionally, you performed oral sex on your sibling
But, hey, everybody needs to get a kick out of life
Nonetheless, everyone desires to experience a moment of pleasure in life
Lucretia what are you doing with that knife?
Lucretia, what is the purpose of possessing that knife?
Contributed by Layla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aldo Charles
on Morality Is Vanity
I’ve been listening to this song last two weeks.