Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator captivated by the allure of women, specifically focusing on the visual and sensual experience of a dress. The opening lines immediately establish a tone of longing and fantasy, where the "texture" of the wind beneath a "long skirt" is imagined as "soft and moist." This sets up a recurring theme of desire, where different fabrics like "chiffon or velvet" all trigger a "momentary thrill." The narrator acknowledges a universal human tendency, stating, "everyone / Doesn't just like one woman," a sentiment that fuels his internal conflict.
The central tension arises from the narrator's overwhelming desire versus his restraint. He admits to never daring to "kiss each one" but feels "no regrets for the desire for each." This internal struggle is personified by the "skirt" itself, which is depicted as a powerful force, capable of "provoking war" and making "millions of people / Worship you excessively." The dress becomes a symbol of feminine power and the irresistible attraction it holds, leading the narrator to declare he'd be "glad to die" for it and pledge to be a "servant" for "every graceful incarnation / Every skirt" for his "whole life."
The most striking aspect of the craft is the personification of the skirt as a commanding entity that dictates the narrator's actions and emotions. The repetitive use of verbs like "fluttering," "swaying," and "turning" emphasizes the dynamic and captivating nature of the dress, and by extension, the women it adorns. The lyrics suggest that these "skirts" hold "secrets to be explored" and possess "magical ingredients" of being "willful, fickle, weak, and innocent." This complex portrayal elevates the skirt from mere clothing to an object of profound worship and a source of both "love and hate" that enriches the world.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw, unvarnished portrayal of desire and devotion. The narrator's willingness to be a lifelong "servant" to the feminine form, as represented by the skirt, is both hyperbolic and deeply felt. The lyrics suggest that this pursuit, despite its potential for chaos and unrequited longing, is what makes life worth living, even if it means being "busy with soft hearts and being mesmerized."
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