"The Soul of Patrick Lee" is a song by John Cale, a Welsh musician and artist. The lyrics are abstract and can be interpreted in various ways. The song seems to depict a woman who is lost and struggling in her journey. She is described as falling from the sky and stepping out before her time. She cries and flies, surrounded by lightning and mountains. The miller, a metaphorical figure, never understands her or shows her a face that truly knows her. The lyrics then mention a concert that travels a long way to Swansea Bay, possibly symbolizing the woman's search for identity and belonging. The tides, representing the flow of life, align with the concert, and a character named Murder Mary is mentioned, suggesting a sense of danger or darkness. The song continues with images of folded arms, references to Christendom, shields, and molten falcon heads. These might represent oppression, religious dogma, and a struggle for freedom. The miller remains distant, unable to understand or connect with the woman's experiences. As the song progresses, it mentions Christmas as a symbol of time passing slowly. The protagonist shuts out her father's women, implying a desire for independence and separation from traditional gender roles. She is surrounded by broken women, suggesting a shared struggle and vulnerability. She seeks comfort in her alphabet, possibly representing language and self-expression. Eventually, the woman leaves on a morning, possibly leaving behind the miller who never truly understood her. The song ends with the line, "And he never would have shown her a face that didn't know," emphasizing the disconnect and lack of understanding between the protagonist and the miller. Overall, "The Soul of Patrick Lee" can be seen as a poetic exploration of identity, oppression, and the search for understanding and connection. The lyrics remain open to interpretation, allowing listeners to find their own personal meaning in the song.
