The four songs on "Blow Your Top" provide more of the same frayed recklessness. Thanks to cleaner sound and playing that verges on being professional, this set almost has commercial potential.(See "Love Is My Business" for proof.) It's still a long way from Falco's sweaty hysteria to the well-oiled of the Stray Cats, though. -from Jon Young in 'The Trouser Press Guide to New Wave Records'(1983)
Mona Lisa
Tav Falco's Panther Burns Lyrics
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You're so like the lady with the mystic smile
Is it only cause you're lonely they have blamed you
For that Mona Lisa strangeness in your smile
Do you smile to tempt a lover Mona Lisa?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there, and they die there
Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art.
Do you smile to tempt a lover Mona Lisa?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
They just lie there, and they die there
Are you warm, are you real Mona Lisa?
Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art.
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa.
Tav Falco's Panther Burns's song Mona Lisa is an interpretation of the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, which is considered a symbol of renaissance art. The lyrics describe the mystery and intrigue surrounding the woman in the portrait, asking whether her enigmatic smile reflects a playful flirtation or a hidden heartache. The name Mona Lisa itself is a term of endearment, as though the singer is addressing the painting as a romantic partner.
The song's first verse asks why men have attributed the painting's strangeness to the woman's loneliness, rather than thinking about the reasons behind her smile. The second verse questions whether the smile is used as a way to attract a lover or to conceal brokenness. The chorus wonders if Mona Lisa is warm and real, or simply a cold and lonely work of art.
The lyrics of Mona Lisa present a contemplative and nuanced perception of the painting, exploring the complex character of her enigmatic smile. The lyrics are full of questions, inviting the listener to reflect on their own interpretation of the famous painting. It is unclear whether the singer is expressing their own experience or speaking directly to the painting, making the song all the more intriguing.
Line by Line Meaning
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa men have named you
People have given you the name Mona Lisa
You're so like the lady with the mystic smile
Your appearance is similar to that of a lady with a mysterious smile
Is it only cause you're lonely they have blamed you
Are people calling you strange because they think you're lonely?
For that Mona Lisa strangeness in your smile
That mysterious quality in your smile that people find strange
Do you smile to tempt a lover Mona Lisa?
Do you smile in order to attract a romantic partner?
Or is this your way to hide a broken heart?
Or are you smiling to cover up a heart that is hurting?
Many dreams have been brought to your doorstep
Many people have come to you with their hopes and dreams
They just lie there, and they die there
But those dreams end up going nowhere
Are you warm, are you real Mona Lisa?
Are you a warm and genuine person, Mona Lisa?
Or just a cold and lonely, lovely work of art.
Or are you simply a beautiful but emotionally distant creation?
Mona Lisa, Mona Lisa.
Repeating the name Mona Lisa for emphasis.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Ray Evans, Jay Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind