"Warm Leatherette" is a song originally written and recorded by The Normal in 1978, but later covered by Grace Jones in her 1980 album "Warm Leatherette." The lyrics depict an intense and somewhat disturbing story, using vivid imagery to explore themes of sexuality, danger, and the thrill of transgressive acts. The song opens with the line "See the breaking glass, beneath the underpass," which sets a scene of chaos and destruction. The breaking glass could symbolize the destruction of societal norms and the breaking of barriers. The underpass signifies a secretive and hidden place where unconventional and illicit activities may take place. As the song progresses, the lyrics describe the sensations of being in a car crash. The line "Feel the crushing steel, feel the steering wheel" expresses the physical impact and the feeling of loss of control. The reference to the "Warm Leatherette" is an ironic juxtaposition of comfort and violence, indicating that even in the midst of danger, there can be a sense of pleasure or excitement. The lyrics then mention the melting of the warm leatherette on burning flesh and the reflection on the luminescent dash, perhaps representing the heat and intensity of the situation. The element of danger becomes more evident with the line "The tear of petrol is in your eye, the hand brake penetrates your thigh." This suggests the severity of the crash, with the tear of petrol symbolizing potential danger and the pain caused by the impact. The song concludes with the invitation to "join the carcrash set." This could be interpreted as a call to embrace risk and live life on the edge, to reject societal conventions and seek out thrilling experiences. The final line, "Quick let's make love before we die," suggests a sense of urgency and the desire to indulge in pleasure before facing the potential consequences. Overall, "Warm Leatherette" is a provocative and moody song that explores themes of danger, sexuality, and the allure of transgression. It portrays a world where the line between pleasure and danger is blurred, and individuals find excitement in breaking societal norms.
