Venus As A Boy

Song Meaning

Corinne Bailey Rae's interpretation of Bjork's "Venus As A Boy" isn't just a cover; it's a delicate excavation of sensuality and perception. Stripped of Bjork's avant-garde electronica, Rae's rendition allows the core theme – the celebration of a man who embodies both masculine and feminine ideals – to resonate with a new, soulful intimacy. The lyrics themselves present a figure who appreciates and elicits beauty, particularly in his lover. He’s not just passively observing; he's actively *setting off* the beauty within her, a line that speaks volumes about his empathetic and intuitive nature. The repeated assertion, "He's Venus as a boy," is key to understanding the song meaning. It's a subversion of traditional gender roles, suggesting a man comfortable in his own skin, unconstrained by societal expectations of masculinity. This isn't about androgyny as a visual aesthetic, but rather an internal harmony. He possesses a keen awareness of beauty, a trait often associated with the feminine, and yet he's undeniably a 'boy,' suggesting virility and desire. The "wicked sense of humour" adds another layer, hinting at a playful, knowing intelligence that fuels his sensuality. Rae’s arrangement highlights the song's inherent gentleness. The focus shifts from the experimental soundscape to the lyrical content, emphasizing the tender exploration of intimacy and the celebration of a man who defies easy categorization. It's a reminder that true strength lies not in adhering to rigid definitions, but in embracing the fluidity of human experience and the multifaceted nature of desire. Ultimately, “Venus As A Boy,” as reimagined by Corinne Bailey Rae, becomes an ode to a man who understands and cherishes the power of beauty in all its forms, especially within the woman he loves.