The song features Tori Amos on piano and vocals and James Watson on trumpet.
Father Lucifer
Tori Amos Lyrics
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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
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
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