The song "Hedda Gabler" by John Cale is a musical interpretation of the play with the same name written by Henrik Ibsen. The lyrics depict the tragic life and character of Hedda Gabler, who is the central figure in the play. The song starts by describing Hedda Gabler's unique appearance, stating that she had a funny face. It then goes on to portray her discontent and disillusionment with the world and the people around her. Hedda is tired of waiting for something meaningful to happen in her life and is disillusioned with humanity as a whole. The mention of Hedda's brother sitting in the library reading about how Adolph Hitler was going to save Germany suggests a connection to the historical context of the play. It highlights the disconnection between the ideals and dreams of the past and the harsh reality Hedda faces. The lyrics further explore Hedda's background and her relationships. It mentions her mother being married to a bank manager and Hedda taking his money and hanging him in the closet. This refers to her manipulative and destructive nature, as she derives pleasure from causing harm to others. The repetition of the phrase "Hedda Gabler, she'll go down in history" emphasizes the iconic status and the lasting impact of Hedda as a tragic character. The addition of the line "down in all her misery" reflects the central theme of the play, which is Hedda's deep unhappiness and despair. The closing lines of the song urge Hedda to sleep, possibly suggesting a desire for rest or escape from her troubled existence. The repetition of "sleep" reinforces this longing for peace and release from the burdens of her life. Overall, the song "Hedda Gabler" captures the complexity and tragedy of the eponymous character from the play. It delves into her inner turmoil, dissatisfaction with the world, and destructive tendencies, ultimately portraying her downfall and the lasting impact she leaves behind.
