Meaning of Reel Around The Fountain (John Peel Session 18/05/83) by The Smiths

The Smiths' song "Reel Around The Fountain" is highly regarded for its poetic lyrics and melancholic sound. Released in 1984 as part of their debut album "The Smiths," the song delves into themes of longing, aging, and the fleeting nature of love. It explores the complexities of relationships and the impact they can have on one's self-perception. Throughout the song, there are several standout lyrics that not only enhance the overall theme but also add layers of depth and imagination to the music.The opening lines, "It's time the tale were told, of how you took a child and you made him old," present the idea of someone being prematurely burdened by the weight of their experiences. This lyric taps into the theme of the destructive power of relationships, suggesting that the narrator's encounter with this person has aged them beyond their years. It speaks to the transformative impact relationships can have on an individual's emotional and mental state.Another compelling lyric that contributes to the song's theme is "Reel around the fountain, slap me on the patio, I'll take it now." This line depicts a sense of desperation and willingness to endure pain or mistreatment in the name of love. The image of being slapped on a patio by a fountain symbolizes the narrator's vulnerability and their readiness to endure any hardship as long as they can have a moment of connection with their beloved. It represents the yearning and longing that drives the narrator's actions."Fifteen minutes with you, well, I wouldn't say no" is a chorus lyric that speaks to the fleeting nature of love and the desire to cling onto any moment of connection. It implies that even a short-lived encounter with the person of affection is enough to satisfy the narrator's longing. This line taps into the theme of how love can be elusive, presenting the idea that even a short moment of intimacy is valuable and worth pursuing.One of the most evocative and imaginative lyrics in the song is "I dreamt about you last night and I fell out of bed twice. You can pin and mount me like a butterfly." This lyric skillfully juxtaposes vulnerability and surrender with the idea of being admired and preserved. The narrator's dream highlights their intense obsession with their beloved and the desire to be completely vulnerable and exposed to them. The imagery of being pinned and mounted like a butterfly adds a touch of macabre beauty, suggesting that the narrator is willing to sacrifice their own autonomy and become an object of adoration for the one they love.Overall, "Reel Around The Fountain" explores themes of longing, aging, and the complexities of love. Through its poetic and imaginative lyrics, the song captures the bittersweet nature of relationships and the transformative power they can have on one's perception of self. The standout lyrics discussed above elevate the song's themes, providing a multi-dimensional exploration of love's impact on the human experience. Whether it's the premature aging caused by a relationship, the willingness to endure pain, the pursuit of fleeting moments of intimacy, or the desire to be completely vulnerable, "Reel Around The Fountain" leaves a lasting impression, inviting listeners to reflect on the complexities of human connection.