"The Jeweller" by John Cale is a poetic and abstract song that tells the story of an individual who is consumed by their own introspective thoughts and experiences. The lyrics describe a character who is deeply engrossed in reading, not even taking a moment to shift their gaze away from the text. This person is described as having a keen eye, like that of a jeweler, paying attention to the smallest details. The character is isolated in their own corner of a room, detached from the passing of time and space. They feel as if time and the outside world are moving too quickly, similar to the flow of substance into a black hole. Despite their isolation, the character is not devoid of conversation or intelligence. They possess wisdom but are also desperate for something more. As the character continues to exist in their corner, a climate of rare beauty begins to develop around them. This beauty surpasses mere sight and sound, becoming an essential nourishment for the character's senses. However, the character begins to realize that the connection between mind and matter is tenuous, as if one cannot prove its existence in terms of the other. They become curious about the meaning of a word but receive an unrelated response from a waiter, highlighting the disconnect. The character's hearing begins to fail, and they are left with only one functioning eye. They still manage to navigate through the world but eventually decide to cover the non-functioning eye with an eye patch. With thoughts of seeing a doctor and potentially undergoing surgery, the character continues on their journey. In the early hours of the morning, the character awakens from a dream and gazes into the mirror. To their astonishment, the patch reveals a transformation. Where once was delicate tissue and membrane, now lies a fully formed and mysterious vagina. This appearance is seen as a cold and revealing revelation, with the eye of disgust lurking in the depths of this unexpected change. Overall, "The Jeweller" is a song that delves into themes of introspection, isolation, and transformation. It explores the disconnect between the mind and the physical world and presents a character on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
