Meaning of Tower of Babel by Elton John

The Elton John song "Tower of Babel" tells a dark and thought-provoking tale that delves into various themes such as societal decay, human depravity, and the absence of salvation. The song's overall theme seems to revolve around the concept of a metaphorical tower, symbolizing ambition, excess, and the pursuit of pleasure. Through haunting lyrics and vivid imagery, Elton John presents a scathing critique of a world consumed by its own desires and immorality.One of the standout lyrics in the song is "Snow, cement, and ivory young towers, someone called us Babylon." This line draws attention to the towering structures of society, constructed with snow, cement, and ivory. Here, the theme revolves around the idea of false prosperity and decadence. These "young towers" represent the pristine and seemingly glamorous facade of a society enveloped in materialism and self-indulgence. The mention of Babylon recalls the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, where human ambition led to divine punishment. This lyric suggests that the contemporary world has become a modern-day Babylon, where hedonism reigns and moral boundaries dissolve.Another significant line is "It's party time for the guys in the tower of Babel, Sodom meets Gomorrah, Cain meets Abel." This lyric brings to light the collision of two infamous biblical cities known for their sinful acts. The theme here explores the depths of human depravity and the acceptance of decadence as the norm. The reference to Cain and Abel, the biblical brothers marked by jealousy and murder, emphasizes the presence of violence and corruption within this society. Instead of learning from past mistakes, humanity repeats its sins, contributing to the perpetuation of moral decay."Have a ball y'all, see the letches crawl with the call girls under the table." This line unveils the theme of exploitation and manipulation. It portrays a scenario where the powerful and corrupted individuals exploit those beneath them for their twisted pleasure. The image of "the letches crawl with the call girls under the table" suggests a hidden depravity, where those in power take advantage of vulnerable individuals. This theme reflects the dark side of human nature and the dehumanization that occurs when material gain and pleasure supersede compassion and empathy.The lyric "Junk angel, this closet's always stacked, the dealers in the basement filling your prescription for a brand new heart attack" introduces the theme of self-destructive behaviors. Here, the "junk angel" represents the lure of addiction and substance abuse. The metaphorical closet stacked with vices symbolizes the hidden struggles and demons that plague individuals within this society. The presence of dealers in the basement metaphorically highlights the enabling forces that perpetuate destructive habits. This theme suggests that individuals are trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, willingly subjecting themselves to harmful behaviors.In conclusion, Elton John's "Tower of Babel" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores themes of societal decay, human depravity, and the absence of salvation. Through evocative and imaginative lyrics, the song critiques a world consumed by excess, immorality, and self-indulgence. The standout lyrics discussed shed light on unexpected themes such as false prosperity, human depravity, exploitation, and self-destructive behaviors. Together, these themes paint a haunting picture of a society spiraling into darkness, devoid of redemption and salvation.