The song "Magritte" by John Cale is an homage to the Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. The lyrics evoke the presence and influence of Magritte's artworks in the narrator's mind. The beginning of the song suggests that the narrator has forgotten just how frequently they encountered Magritte's art. However, in recent times, Magritte's work has been on their mind. Magritte's paintings, filled with beauty, are described as being like a canvas of blue and as if they are pinned to the edges of the narrator's vision. This emphasizes the powerful impact and lingering presence of Magritte's art. The song mentions a car horn in the street and an open museum, possibly suggesting the chaos and distractions of the outside world. Despite these external disturbances, Magritte's art remains a prominent focus for the narrator. The lyrics also touch upon the admiration and reverence for Magritte's art. The narrator and others "worshipped at his feet." This highlights the significance and profound influence that Magritte had on the art world. The song then shifts to a cautionary tone, mentioning someone who hates the narrator and advising them to watch over the art. This could imply that there are those who may not appreciate or understand the value of Magritte's work and may potentially cause harm to it. The mention of a canvas upstairs stretched for umbrellas and bowler hats refers to Magritte's famous painting "Golconda." The song acknowledges that "everybody knows Rene did that," recognizing the artist's signature style and recognizable works. Overall, "Magritte" is a poetic tribute to the lasting impact and enduring presence of René Magritte's surrealistic art. It celebrates the enchanting and captivating nature of his paintings, as well as the inspiration and awe they continue to evoke in those who encounter them.
