Josephine
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics


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If I were Napoleon, you could be my Josephine
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
Run your fingers through my hair
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

Overall Meaning

The Magnetic Fields' song "Josephine" is a whimsical love song in which the singer imagines himself as Napoleon and the object of his affection as his beloved Josephine. The lyrics are full of fanciful scenarios in which the two lovers imagine spending their time together, from driving in a red convertible to living in summer cottages in Corsica. The singer imagines himself as a famous author and scientist, writing science fiction about his love for Josephine. Throughout the song, he expresses his desire for her, describing her as his "lady love" and "turtle-dove."


The song is filled with references to the historical figure of Napoleon, as well as classic ideas of romance and love. The fantasy world that the singer imagines himself and Josephine living in is full of grand gestures and over-the-top expressions of love, giving the song a dreamy, almost fairy-tale quality. The singer's clear desire for Josephine, and his willingness to imagine elaborate scenarios to be with her, makes for a charming and romantic song that is both sweet and humorous.


Line by Line Meaning

If I were Napoleon, you could be my Josephine
If I had the power and influence of Napoleon, I would see you as my loyal partner, Josephine.


We could go to drive-in films in my red convertible
We could enjoy each other's company and cuddle up in my red convertible while watching movies under the stars at the drive-in.


If I were Napoleon, I might be in magazines
If I were as famous as Napoleon, I would be featured in popular magazines for my achievements and success.


I'd write some science fiction - science fiction about you
As a creative writer, I would compose science fiction stories related to you, Josephine.


You could be my Josephine: just you and your chaperone
You are my ideal partner as Josephine, even if that means having to accommodate your chaperone in our plans.


Let you be my Josephine, Josephine
I want to officially make you the one and only Josephine in my life, Josephine.


If I were Napoleon, you could be my lady love
If I had the authority of Napoleon, I would proclaim you as my cherished and affectionate lady love.


Look into my soft blue eyes
Paying close attention to my blue eyes that reflect my emotions and feelings for you, Josephine.


Run your fingers through my hair
Embrace me intimately and run your hands through my hair in a tender manner, Josephine.


If I were Napoleon, you could be my turtle-dove
If I was as important as Napoleon, you would be my beloved turtle-dove, Josephine.


Living out in Corsica in our summer cottages
Spending leisurely summers together in our beautiful cottages in Corsica, Josephine.


And you could be my Josephine and we could be Siamese twins
You could be my ultimate Josephine, and we could live our lives as inseparable Siamese twins.


Let you be my Josephine, Josephine
I will give you the privilege of being my one and only Josephine, Josephine.




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING

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