Meaning of Hell by Elton John

In Elton John's song titled 'Hell,' the overall theme revolves around a dark and chaotic world that lacks redemption and hope. The song paints a bleak picture of society and explores various subthemes through its poignant lyrics. Each lyric serves as a window into different aspects of this dystopian universe, offering a glimpse into unexpected and imaginative themes that all tie back to the overarching concept of the song.The introductory lines set the stage for this grim reality, describing a world devoid of celestial beings: "Take a look around, there ain't no angels here. Just a big red moon all bloody and dirty, coughing like a factory in the atmosphere." These lyrics suggest a polluted and corrupted environment, symbolizing the absence of purity or divine intervention.Following this, the lyrics take a turn towards societal conflicts and power struggles by mentioning the Middle East: "Take a happy face, stick it on the Middle East." Here, the song comments on the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the human tendency to create unrest and discord even in supposedly peaceful regions.The broken light switch and the million fingers pointing at each other reflect a never-ending cycle of blame and conflict: "There's a light switch broken, and a million fingers pointing at each other for a minute's peace." This lyric emphasizes the futility of finding resolution and unity when individuals are constantly quick to blame others.Elton John then introduces the character of Baby Jane, an alluring yet manipulative figure: "Sweet talking Baby Jane, she's a little golden tart. Looks like Cleopatra, acts like Joan Crawford, rolling on a carpet with an ice pick in her heart." Through this imagery, the song delves into themes of untrustworthy and deceitful personalities, hinting at the consequences of allowing such personalities to thrive.The chorus repeats throughout the song, with Elton John expressing a sense of desperation and uncertainty: "And it's all or nothing, I feel like jumping. Where are my wings, what's my E.T.A? And I don't know all that is, like the place where angels live. All I know is hell is not below." Here, the motif of jumping can be seen as a metaphor for the longing to escape this disarrayed and desolate existence. The absence of wings symbolizes a lack of salvation and a sense of being trapped within this nightmarish world.In the second verse, the lyrics focus on the plight of the average citizen. "Joe Public hanging from a red-tipped noose, trapped in a bottle, drowning with a genie waist-deep in wishes you can never use." This imagery speaks to the disillusionment of regular people who find themselves entrapped by circumstances and unable to access the aspirations or dreams they once had.The song then shifts towards the exploitation of women, as the geishas spread like flies: "At the last resort, the geishas spread like flies. It's the moody black cloud all bitchy and muddy, sticking to the ceiling like Gods on the night." This lyric highlights the objectification and commodification of women in a society that values their physical appearance over their worth as individuals. The portrayal of the black cloud sticking to the ceiling suggests an oppressive force that suffocates and restricts.Lastly, the lyrics describe a tragic event involving a young girl: "Running in the river since she was only five years old. Only took a second as the windows shattered, falling precious metal to suck out her soul." This heartbreaking image further illustrates the dark nature of this world, where innocence is lost and the traumas of life leave indelible scars.In conclusion, 'Hell' by Elton John immerses listeners in a dystopian realm where angels are absent, conflict prevails, and hope seems elusive. Through its striking lyrics, the song explores various themes such as environmental degradation, societal unrest, manipulative personalities, longing for escape, disillusionment, exploitation of women, and the loss of innocence. These imaginative and unexpected themes all tie back to the overarching concept of a world engulfed in chaos and devoid of redemption. 'Hell' stands as a haunting depiction of a society on the brink, inviting listeners to contemplate the consequences of our actions and reflect upon our own role in shaping the world around us.