The song "Story of Blood" by John Cale is a poetic and metaphorical exploration of the life force and its complexities. The lyrics delve into the various aspects of blood, such as its movement, its presence in the body, and its effect on emotions. The beginning of the song emphasizes how blood starts in the heart and flows through the body. It mentions how it wakes people up in the morning but also has the power to bring them down, indicating its connection to both vitality and mortality. The imagery of blood sliding across the floor symbolizes its movement and presence. The thick and varied colors of blood represent its different characteristics and emotional associations. The chorus suggests that one should "swing your soul," possibly implying that individuals should embrace and engage with their innermost selves fully. This can be interpreted as an encouragement to explore and express their emotions and experiences. The song then shifts focus to the color of midnight as a metaphorical setting. This image of sinking in the sand and watching the rain come pouring down symbolizes being caught in a melancholic or introspective state. The mention of the other side of life suggests the existence of a contrasting reality, possibly alluding to the duality of existence and the complexities of human emotions. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the call to embrace and express one's soul. The song concludes with a shift in perspective, with the narrator standing and waiting in the morning. They express a need to bring their friends into the light, possibly representing a desire to share their experiences and find connection. Overall, "Story of Blood" is a poetic exploration of the multifaceted nature of life, emotions, and the human experience, utilizing blood as a metaphorical vehicle to convey these ideas.
