Song Meaning
Robert Pollard’s "Enjoy Jerusalem!" isn't a travelogue; it's a fragmented postcard from the interior. The lyrics, characteristic of Pollard's style, offer a series of surreal snapshots rather than a linear narrative. The opening lines, "The stark language of our cave / Whose guardian angels prohibit battery," suggest a primal space, perhaps the subconscious, where even protective forces impose limitations. This 'cave' could represent the confines of the mind itself, a space both sheltering and restricting. The subsequent lines introduce contrasting images: a subtly alluring perfume and a consistently impressive "cakemaker." These could be interpreted as symbols of sensory pleasure and reliable creativity, respectively, offering fleeting moments of beauty and satisfaction within the aforementioned 'cave'.
The phrase "As I glow in television prison" is particularly striking. It evokes a sense of passive consumption and the hypnotic allure of media, trapping the individual within its glow. This line speaks to a modern malaise: the feeling of being simultaneously connected and imprisoned by technology. The "watcher at big church" introduces a religious or spiritual element, juxtaposed with the earlier image of the 'television prison'. This contrast hints at a search for meaning and transcendence, perhaps a yearning for something beyond the confines of the material world. "Where by bright sun ladies like to ride" suggests a scene of idyllic freedom and perhaps a longing for simpler times.
The repetition of "And so do I, my son / And so do I" at the song's close adds another layer of complexity. It could be interpreted as a passing of wisdom or a shared desire for the experiences witnessed by the "watcher." The use of "my son" suggests a familial connection and a sense of legacy, implying that the search for meaning and enjoyment is a continuous cycle passed down through generations. Ultimately, "Enjoy Jerusalem!" is a meditation on the search for beauty, meaning, and connection within the confines of both the external world and the internal landscape of the self. It's a reminder to find moments of joy and inspiration, even within the "television prison" of modern life.
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