Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a portrait of a singular, almost mythical figure, presented as a "prophet of mine." This individual lived by instinct and inner vision, not by conventional rules or timekeeping, growing "lemon trees" and breeding canaries, and smoking "red rocks." He's described as a "visionary" with a "Gypsy's badge," suggesting a life lived outside societal norms, guided by an internal compass. The central tension lies in the juxtaposition of this free-spirited, almost wild existence with the phrase "he was his own police." This implies a self-governance, a strict internal code that allowed for his unconventional lifestyle while maintaining order and purpose. He wasn't beholden to external authority, but rather to an inner discipline that defined his unique path. The most striking craft element is the repetition of "Persepolis he was his own police, he was a prophet of mine." The name "Persepolis," an ancient, grand city, evokes a sense of history, power, and perhaps a lost civilization, lending the figure an epic, almost monumental quality. This grandeur is then immediately grounded by the personal declaration, "he was a prophet of mine," making the grand vision intensely intimate and personal to the narrator. This lyrical construction is effective because it builds a larger-than-life character through vivid, unconventional imagery and then anchors that character in a deeply personal relationship. The contrast between the expansive, almost untamed spirit and the self-imposed order creates a compelling paradox, making the narrator's reverence for this figure feel earned and profound.