Montreal

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a woman, once defined by a specific, almost theatrical style – lavender pantsuits and velvet gloves – who is now facing some unspecified hardship. The repeated assurance that "Her mother's gonna make her look good" acts as a strange, almost desperate mantra, suggesting a public facade is being meticulously maintained despite underlying trouble. This contrasts sharply with her past self, who rejected superficiality like "leopard coats" and the performative nature of "tall thin millionaires / Kissing everybody on New Year's Eve." The narrator seems to be observing this carefully constructed image, perhaps with a mix of pity and detachment. The central tension arises from the disconnect between the outward appearance being so carefully curated and the implied internal struggle. The phrase "the chance to explain / Ah well, don't you just explain / Come on, explain away" hints at a situation that requires justification, something the narrator seems to dismiss or find futile. This feeling is amplified by the stark image of the "merciless" snow in Montreal, a setting that feels both beautiful and unforgiving, mirroring the emotional climate. The city itself becomes a backdrop for this unfolding drama of appearance versus reality. The most striking element is the persistent, almost ritualistic repetition of parental intervention: "Her mother's gonna make her look good," later joined by "Her father's gonna make her look good." This isn't about genuine comfort but about managing perception. It suggests a family or social pressure to maintain a certain image, even when things are falling apart. The line "Because a coward won't die alone" adds a layer of grim finality, hinting that the subject's situation might involve a moral failing or a desperate clinging to others for support, further emphasizing the need to