The song "Villa Albani" by John Cale tells the story of a mysterious and secretive deal happening at the Villa Albani. The Villa Albani refers to a grand estate in Rome, known for hosting important meetings and discussions. The lyrics describe how the deal is being discussed behind closed doors, with the ink not yet dried on the paper, indicating its freshness and secrecy. The conference is about to begin, and handshakes have already been made, suggesting the involvement of influential and powerful individuals. However, as winter approaches, tensions rise. The people involved in the deal start feeling uneasy and apprehensive. The mention of holy men coming for breakfast hints at the involvement of religious figures or perhaps those seeking moral guidance. Meanwhile, blood is on the streets, and rumors spread throughout the town about the Villa Albani, implying that the deal may not be entirely virtuous or legal. The atmosphere becomes increasingly chaotic, with limousines arriving and leaving, helicopters taking off, and no one responding to communication attempts. The lines "Nobody's answering the phone, nobody's picking up the mail, nobody's getting the doorbell" suggest a sense of secrecy and isolation in the Villa Albani. The song implies that the deal ultimately falls apart or is exposed as a failure. The sweet deal that seemed promising and lucrative breaks down, symbolized by the burning of files and books in the backyard. The people involved in the deal are left to take care of their luxurious possessions, like limousines and tanks, indicating that they prioritize their own interests over everything else. Overall, "Villa Albani" portrays a secretive and corrupt scenario at the luxurious estate, where a deal goes awry and people are left to face the consequences. The lyrics capture a sense of tension, paranoia, and ultimately, the downfall of those involved.
