In 2012, BDR/Rerun records released an unreleased 1979 studio session from this previously undocumented St. Louis punk band.
Black Magic Woman
The Retros Lyrics
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And your comrades pointing their fingers at
Your credo, your lover and how these disgrace us
And the dogma from the age of pain
It is holding you, it is dressing you
With black capes and blindfolds for caution and care
With sea shells and stones
You and me
Oh my dear
Liberty
And to constrain ourselves to argue against the wisdom of a lifetime
And cut out this ache
I’m an artisan
And whatever decision you make, I won’t agree
And there she is, in my bedroom and with her black long dress waiting to be seen
By promoters and I
Stare at her
Look at me
I am here
And I have always been here mailing TVs and waiting for your live show
The lyrics to The Retros' song "Black Magic Woman" explore themes of societal judgment, oppression, and the struggle for personal freedom. The first stanza describes how society, represented by "comrades," criticizes and shames individuals for their beliefs, lover choices, and actions. The references to "morals from the age of stone" and "dogma from the age of pain" imply that these judgments are rooted in outdated and oppressive ideologies.
The second stanza introduces the singer's perspective as someone who challenges these societal norms. They describe themselves as spoiling the false sense of security and conformity represented by sailing the sea with sea shells and stones (symbolizing superficial pleasures and conformity). The use of "spoiling the surprise" suggests the singer's intent to disrupt the status quo and awaken others to the truth of their oppression. The reference to "liberty" highlights the desire for personal freedom and an escape from societal constraints.
In the third stanza, the lyrics take a more personal turn. The singer expresses their frustration with trying to argue against a collective wisdom that has shaped people's lives. They acknowledge that their role is that of an artisan, someone who creates and challenges existing structures. They assert that they won't agree with any decision made against their belief in personal freedom.
The final stanza introduces a character, described as a woman in a black long dress, waiting to be seen by promoters. This character could represent the allure and entertainment industry's influence on personal freedom, as the singer both stares at her and reflects on their own presence. The line "look at me, I am here" implies a longing to be recognized and valued for their individuality. The mention of mailing TVs and waiting for the live show suggests a passive existence, possibly representing the disconnect between personal freedom and societal expectations.
Overall, "Black Magic Woman" speaks to the struggle against societal judgment, the desire for personal freedom, and the conflict between conforming and asserting one's individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
All the morals from the age of stone
The outdated and rigid beliefs and values that have been passed down through generations.
And your comrades pointing their fingers at
Your friends and acquaintances judging and criticizing.
Your credo, your lover and how these disgrace us
Your personal beliefs, your romantic partner, and how these things bring shame or dishonor.
And the dogma from the age of pain
The rigid and oppressive doctrines that stem from experiences of suffering.
It is holding you, it is dressing you
These dogmas are controlling and influencing you, shaping your beliefs and actions.
With black capes and blindfolds for caution and care
These dogmas provide a false sense of security and prevent you from seeing the truth clearly.
And there is me, spoiling the surprise of being sailing in the sea
I am revealing the unexpected experience of freedom and exploration in life.
With sea shells and stones
With the beauty and challenges that life presents.
You and me
Together, facing these experiences.
Oh my dear
Expressing affection and familiarity.
Liberty
The ultimate goal of breaking free from constraints and embracing personal freedom.
And to constrain ourselves to argue against the wisdom of a lifetime
Limiting ourselves by engaging in futile arguments that go against accumulated wisdom.
And cut out this ache
Ending the pain and discomfort caused by resisting change.
I’m an artisan
I am skilled and meticulous in shaping my life.
And whatever decision you make, I won’t agree
Regardless of your choices, I won't necessarily approve or support them.
And there she is, in my bedroom and with her black long dress waiting to be seen
There she is, symbolizing the opportunity for success, silently waiting for recognition and validation.
By promoters and I
By those who hold influence and power, including myself.
Stare at her
We gaze at this opportunity with anticipation and excitement.
Look at me
Acknowledging myself and my own potential.
I am here
Emphasizing my presence and readiness for success.
And I have always been here mailing TVs and waiting for your live show
I have been patiently supporting and waiting for your success, even while dealing with mundane tasks.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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