The lyrics of John Cale's song "Crazy Egypt" are quite metaphorical and open to interpretation. The song seems to center around the idea of encounters with a mysterious character named Egypt, who is depicted as someone eccentric or unpredictable. In the song, the narrator meets Egypt at Mardi Gras, where she is selling antiques from a caboose. Egypt refuses to give discounts or anything away, suggesting that she is elusive and maybe even greedy. The narrator is intrigued and asks, "What do you say? What have you got?" This can be seen as a rhetorical question, wondering what Egypt has to offer or what her true intentions are. The lyrics then mention "risky stock adventures," where Egypt's involvement may promise something advantageous ("the back end might be sweet"). The narrator, potentially investing in Microsoft, believes it is a secure venture, but Egypt dismisses it, countering the proposal with laughter. This suggests that Egypt sees the world differently and does not conform to conventional thinking or logic. The song continues with imagery of the narrator engaging in daring or absurd activities like jumping into the river, dancing on burning coals, wrestling alligators, and sleeping out in the cold. Egypt's response to the narrator's actions is simply labeling them as crazy. Further lyrics mention Santa being in the garden, sharks being in the hall, and Juke playing Dixie Cups' greatest hits. These lines convey a sense of chaos or bizarre situations. The narrator seems confused by Egypt's reactions, questioning, "What do you mean?" It reflects the inability to understand Egypt's perspective or the reasons behind her behavior. The next section suggests that Egypt takes advantage of people or manipulates them. The narrator warns Egypt that they will expose her actions, saying, "I'll sell you down the river on the dotted line." The narrator believes that even in a seemingly losing situation, Egypt will find a way to benefit. In the final verses, the lyrics mention a Yankee on Canal St. who is unsure of their loyalties and offers to buy elections, and a reference to viewing Algiers from a motel window. These lines imply a web of intrigue and questionable activities surrounding Egypt. The refrain "You've got everything you wanted and you're still crazy, Egypt!" is repeated, suggesting that despite gaining everything, Egypt remains unpredictable, eccentric, and perhaps dissatisfied. It emphasizes the perplexing nature of Egypt's character and leaves the listener to contemplate her significance within the song. Overall, "Crazy Egypt" appears to be a cryptic exploration of an enigmatic and unconventional figure who elicits fascination, confusion, and maybe even a touch of fear in the narrator. The song leaves the true meaning and story open-ended, inviting individual interpretations and speculation.
