preview

Analyzing Springsteen's Song 'Paradise'

Decent Essays
Open Document

Paradise ‘Paradise’ is one of Springsteen’s darker, haunting melodies about Terrorism/loss/Suicide/The afterlife from ‘The Rising’ album released one year after 9/11. For years following the attack America stood still in mourning and a depressive state had set in. This song is truly moving on many different levels. The eerie tone/sound that lingers throughout the song combined with Springsteen’s incisive ability to sing with an undertone of detachment accentuates the haunting aspect of this song. The creepy tone lingers. ‘Paradise’ reveals a darker side to Springsteen, showcasing perhaps his darkest thoughts and deepest fears. The first stanza describes a female suicide bomber in a crowded marketplace about to commit a terrorist act "Plastics, wire and your kiss”. The woman believes that committing this brutal act will give her the rites to “Paradise”, even though it means leaving her young child behind and killing innocent civilians. It’s evident that Religion is …show more content…

Dreams often reflect our deepest desires and darkest thoughts. This death could be related to the events of 9/11. The “Virginia Hills” could be a direct reference to the American Airlines flight 77 that crashed into The Pentagon near Virginia. The woman’s sadness and grief is heart-breaking. She longs to be reunited with her departed lover. She visualizes touching his hair and gently brushing his cheek. Among the pain and internal suffering she fails to recognize what life on earth has to offer. The hills of Virginia are a representation of change, the beauty and wonders of planet earth, altering from a vivacious green to a dull brown but she neglects this evident vitality presented right before her very eyes. “I wait for Paradise, and I wait for Paradise”. It offers her the prospect of being with her true love once again where the woman will find a medicinal cure for her earthly pain. Dark thoughts set

Get Access