Not Since Nineveh

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of Baghdad as an unparalleled city of pleasure and indulgence, a place so vibrant it eclipses all historical comparisons. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of urgency and importance, with Lalume commanding the listener to "Don't underestimate Baghdad!" and "investigate Baghdad!" This isn't just a travelogue; it's a fervent invitation to experience a unique urban existence. The Wazir and Townsfolk chime in, reinforcing the idea of Baghdad as a place steeped in "romantic oriental lore" and promising revelations of "facts you never knew before." The central tension lies in Baghdad's extreme nature, presented as a place of ultimate highs and lows. The lyrics contrast "high life" with "low life," asserting that nowhere can compare to Baghdad's offerings in either extreme. This is underscored by a series of historical allusions: "Not since Nineveh, not since Tyre," "Not since Babylon turned to mire," and "Not since Jericho started slidin'." These references suggest that Baghdad's current state of decadence and excitement is a level not seen since ancient times, implying a unique, almost mythical, quality to the city's allure. The most striking craft element is the relentless, almost hyperbolic, cataloging of Baghdad's excesses. The lyrics declare "Our palaces are gaudier / Our alleyways are bawdier / Our princes more autocratic here / Our beggars more distinctly / Aromatic here!" This direct, unvarnished comparison highlights the city's extreme character. The repetition of "Not since Nineveh" acts as a refrain, anchoring the city's present-day vibrancy to a deep, almost biblical, past, suggesting a timeless cycle of urban grandeur and perhaps, eventual decay, though the latter is framed as something "we never mind here." Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they create an intoxicating vision of a city that defies ordinary experience. By invoking ancient metropolises and biblical events – from Gomorrah to Nebuchadnezzar's hanging gardens – the song elevates Baghdad to a legendary status. The repeated assertion that life in Baghdad "takes you back to Nineveh" isn't just about nostalgia; it's about experiencing a peak of human civilization and indulgence that has not been matched, promising an escape into a world of unparalleled sensation and historical resonance.