Emile's Vietnam In The Sky
Perkins Elvis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ghosts of Cappucino and Zaza hover
In the hallway where the devil and his lover
Beg you for change on the slide
There's nothing really like a French blues
Blown by an unknown soldier in you
To all your regrets and you rouse
And do you ever wonder
Where you go when you die?
Emile's Vietnam in the sky
Well, I'd take better care of your heart
You'll be opening a Sswiss bank account
Let go, it's over now, play your part
You'll be swinging those milk clouds on high
And do you ever wonder
Where you go when you die?
Emile's Vietnam in the sky
The song "Emile's Vietnam in the Sky" by Perkins Elvis speaks of a surreal universe where French culture and American warfare combine in unexpected and unsettling ways. The opening lines mention the French poet and artist Jean Cocteau, who is "covered in butter", perhaps evoking the idea of indulgence and excess. The ghosts of Cappucino and Zaza are also present, adding to the otherworldly feel of the lyrics. The devil and his lover are introduced, asking for "change on the slide", a possible reference to the way society can manipulate and exploit people for their own gain.
The chorus states that there is "nothing really like a French blues" blown by an "unknown soldier in you". This might be interpreted as a metaphor for the inner battles and struggles that we all face, and how they can be expressed through music. The mention of Vietnam in the title of the song adds another layer of meaning, alluding to the human cost of war and the ongoing trauma and suffering it causes. Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the final lines express a sense of curious wonder about what comes after death - "do you ever wonder where you go when you die?" - and suggest that perhaps there is a celestial world waiting for us, where we can find peace and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Jean Cocteau is covered in butter
The surrealism and absurdity of life is highlighted by referencing the famous poet and filmmaker being covered in butter.
The ghosts of Cappucino and Zaza hover
Past memories of pleasure and comfort seem to be present, but can only exist as ghosts or distant remnants.
In the hallway where the devil and his lover
In places where evil seems to rule, relationships between people can become toxic and destructive.
Beg you for change on the slide
Even though they seem powerful and dominant, those who hold oppressive positions often ask for favors or show vulnerability when least expected.
There's nothing really like a French blues
The culture and language of a place can greatly affect the way music and feelings are expressed.
Blown by an unknown soldier in you
Even if you don't know who you are or where you come from, there is still a sense of depth and meaning found within you.
To all your regrets and you rouse
Amidst feelings of both regret and awakening, there is still a sense of hope for the future.
I'll meet you down there when I try
The artist will try to join the listener in their journey, but it may be a difficult and uncertain path.
And do you ever wonder
The song brings up a universal question - does anyone ever think about what happens after we die?
Where you go when you die?
Is there an afterlife? Is there a place we go after we pass on from this world?
Emile's Vietnam in the sky
The chorus brings together a character and a setting that don't seem to match, blending reality and dream-like imagery to create an otherworldly destination for the departed.
Well, I'd take better care of your heart
The singer wishes to protect and care for the listener's emotional well-being.
You'll be opening a Sswiss bank account
The listener is encouraged to be financially responsible and protect their assets.
Let go, it's over now, play your part
It's time to move on from the past and embrace the future, taking an active role in shaping your own destiny.
You'll be swinging those milk clouds on high
After finding success and happiness, the listener will be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor in a place of beauty and tranquility.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ELVIS PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind