Father Lucifer
Tori Amos Lyrics


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Father Lucifer
You never looked so sane
You always did prefer the drizzle to the rain
Tell me that you're still in love with that milkmaid
How's the Lizzies
How's your Jesus Christ been hanging

Nothing gonna stop me from floating
Nothing gonna stop me from floating

He says he reckons I'm a watercolour stain
He says I run and then I run from him
And then I run
He didn't see me watching
From the aeroplane
He wiped a tear
And then he threw away our appleseed

Nothing gonna stop me from floating

Everyday's my wedding day
Though baby's still in his comatose state
I'll die my own Easter eggs
Don't go yet
And Beenie lost the sunset but that's but that's OK
Does Joe bring flowers to Marilyn's grave




And girls that eat pizza but never gain weight
Father Lucifer you never looked so sane

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Father Lucifer" by Tori Amos suggest a conversation with the titular character, who apparently looks more rational than usual. Tori then proceeds to ask about his love affairs, and how his acquaintances, the Lizzies, are doing, followed by the state of Jesus Christ. The first verse continues with a declaration of certainty that nothing will stop her from floating, which can be interpreted as being carried away by her own emotions, regardless of the obstacles on her way.


The second verse starts with a reference to Father Lucifer's opinion of Tori, deeming her as a "watercolour stain" whom he cannot hold onto. She then reveals how she tries to escape him repeatedly and succeeds, as he fails to recognize her presence at all times. Despite that, he still cherishes something about their failed relationship, indicated by him wiping a tear before discarding their appleseed. The repetition of "Nothing gonna stop me from floating" reaffirms Tori's resolute mindset to overcome any hindrance in her stride toward happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

Father Lucifer
Addressed to Father Lucifer


You never looked so sane
You seem more in control than before


You always did prefer the drizzle to the rain
You always liked subtle things over obvious ones


Tell me that you're still in love with that milkmaid
Confirm your love for someone unpretentious and natural


How's the Lizzies
Asks about Lizzies, probably a reference to something specific


How's your Jesus Christ been hanging
Asks about his religious beliefs and practices


Nothing gonna stop me from floating
I am determined to continue despite obstacles


He says he reckons I'm a watercolour stain
Someone sees her as weak and malleable


He says I run and then I run from him
He thinks she avoids confrontations, especially with him


And then I run
She confirms that she escapes sometimes


He didn't see me watching
She is observing from a safe distance


From the aeroplane
She's probably high above him or everyone else


He wiped a tear
Someone is crying or expressing emotions


And then he threw away our appleseed
He gave up on a plan or dream they shared


Everyday's my wedding day
Every day feels special to her


Though baby's still in his comatose state
Her partner is ill or unresponsive


I'll dye my own easter eggs
She will take care of herself and celebrate life on her own


Don't go yet
Asks someone not to leave


And Beenie lost the sunset but that's but that's OK
A friend or acquaintance had a rough time but they will be alright


Does Joe bring flowers to Marilyn's grave
Asks about someone's romantic gesture to a deceased celebrity


And girls that eat pizza but never gain weight
Refers to a group of people who don't seem to experience the same struggles as her


Father Lucifer you never looked so sane
Repeats the opening line




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: TORI ELLEN AMOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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