Meaning of Who Killed Tangerine? by Tears for Fears
In the realm of music, there are certain songs that possess a mysterious and thought-provoking nature, leaving listeners contemplating their deeper meanings. One such song is Tears for Fears' "Who Killed Tangerine?". Released in 1983, this enigmatic track explores a variety of themes through its haunting lyrics and captivating melody. Through careful examination, we can unravel the layers of this song and uncover the story it seeks to tell.At its core, "Who Killed Tangerine?" revolves around the concept of choice and the consequences that arise from the decisions we make. The opening lines, "What you gonna choose, the poison or the knife? Lived with crazy paving all your life," introduce us to a dilemma faced by the protagonist. This line not only creates an aura of uncertainty but also suggests a life filled with chaos and confusion. The overarching theme of choice sets the stage for the subsequent lyrics to explore various facets of decision-making.One standout lyric that delves into the theme of choice is, "Hoping conversation starts to flow." While this line appears innocuous at first, it conveys a deeper desire for meaningful connections. The choice to engage in conversation represents the longing for human interaction and the yearning to escape from the isolation that an individual may be experiencing.As we delve deeper into the song, the line "Slide in deeper closer to the bone, don't you just wish your heart was made of stone" uncovers another striking theme - resilience. The protagonist here expresses a desire for emotional strength, wishing to be impervious to pain and heartache. This longing reflects the human instinct to protect oneself and seek refuge from the hardships of life.Furthermore, the lyrics "Placed in body bags and filled with stones, my love won't bleed, her waves are foam" transport us into a realm of mortality and the fragility of love. At first glance, one may interpret this as a metaphorical representation of lost love, but digging deeper, it also offers insight into the transience of life itself. Just as the waves, beautiful yet fleeting, dissolve into foam, the loves and connections we cherish are impermanent, reminding us to value the present moment.Continuing on this theme of transience, the line "And when you think it's all over, it's not over" encourages introspection and a reconsideration of our perceptions. This lyric highlights the tendency to prematurely conclude that our experiences have reached their conclusion, when in reality, there might still be uncharted territories to explore. It serves as a reminder to embrace the unknown and avoid jumping to conclusions prematurely.Now, let's delve into the overarching theme of the song - the symbolism behind "Tangerine." While the song does not explicitly reveal the meaning behind this evocative fruit, we can interpret it as a representation of innocence and purity. The lyric, "Who killed Tangerine? Prettiest girl I've ever seen," presents a tragic demise of purity, suggesting a loss of innocence and the forces at play that contributed to it. It also symbolizes the fragility of beauty and the harsh realities that can tarnish it.In conclusion, "Who Killed Tangerine?" by Tears for Fears is a captivating song that invites us to question our choices and ponder the consequences they carry. Through its multi-layered lyrics, the song explores various interconnected themes, such as choice, resilience, transience, and the loss of innocence. Each lyric adds a unique perspective, painting a vivid picture of the human experience and the complexities we navigate. So next time you find yourself engaging with this musical enigma, take a moment to reflect on the profound themes it presents and the questions it poses.