"Crime In The Desert" is a song by Brian Eno and John Cale from their collaborative album "Wrong Way Up" released in 1990. The lyrics depict a scene in Tuscon, Arizona, where crime, punishment, and dark activities are taking place. However, amidst this dark atmosphere, there is a sense of freedom and a chance to escape. The song portrays the characters involved in these criminal activities, such as playing Blackjack in a Drive-In theater, shooting dice in the mud, and engaging in illicit races on the race-track. These activities symbolize a rebellious and restless spirit. The lyrics mention the discovery of a body with no identifying signs, implying the consequences of these dangerous lifestyles. The presence of a number in a notebook found with the body suggests a connection to some form of organized crime or secret society. Additionally, the mention of Guadalajara being a few miles down the line implies the proximity of a place where more criminal activities might be taking place. Furthermore, the song introduces a female character who is attracted to the broken-hearted and those who mistreat her. However, the lyrics suggest that she is not appreciated for her body but rather exploited for her ideas and intelligence, eventually being abandoned by those she associates with. The meaning of the song seems to revolve around a portrayal of a sinister and delinquent environment. It creates a sense of fascination with the allure of rebellion and danger, but also highlights the fallouts and consequences of such a lifestyle.
