Song Meaning
Michael Franks' "Burchfield Nines" isn't a straightforward narrative; it's a mood piece, a tableau of sophisticated ennui painted with cultural references and a wistful undercurrent. The song's meaning resides not in a literal story, but in the juxtaposition of high and low art, fleeting pleasures, and a pervasive sense of detachment. The repeated line, "But all I see is those Burchfield Nines," acts as an anchor, grounding the speaker in a specific aesthetic experience amidst a swirl of social activity. Charles Burchfield, the American visionary artist, is known for his evocative watercolors of nature and small-town life, often imbued with a sense of mystery and the sublime. The "Burchfield Nines" likely refers to a specific series or a recurring motif in his work, perhaps symbolizing a particular emotional state or a longing for something beyond the surface. The speaker's fixation on these paintings suggests a yearning for authenticity, a desire to connect with something deeper than the superficiality of the New Year's Eve gathering.
The lyrics themselves are a collage of cultural touchstones. References to "Gildersleeve," Salvador Dali, Marsden Hartley, Miles Davis (boxing, oddly enough), Cheshire cats, Mr. T., and Charlie Parker ("Bird") create a rich tapestry of mid-20th century Americana. This name-dropping, however, is not celebratory. Instead, it contributes to the sense of ironic distance. The speaker observes the scene with a critical eye, acknowledging the allure of these cultural icons, but ultimately finding them insufficient. The "funny valentines" line hints at the awkwardness and artificiality of social interactions, while the image of women purring like Cheshire cats evokes a sense of seductive artifice. The V.A.T. (likely referring to value-added tax rather than the fortified wine Vin d'Alsace Tardive) being broken out by Mr. T adds a touch of absurdist humor, further underscoring the song's detached perspective.
Ultimately, "Burchfield Nines" is a song about seeing beyond the surface, about finding solace and meaning in art when the world around feels hollow. The speaker's obsession with the Burchfield paintings suggests a search for something real, something that resonates on a deeper emotional level. It's a testament to the power of art to provide solace and perspective in a world often defined by superficiality and fleeting pleasures. The lyrics analysis reveals a sophisticated commentary on art, society, and the individual's search for meaning.
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