John Cale's song "Zen" explores various themes including deception, art, reality, and the struggle to understand and find meaning in life. The lyrics depict a dark and mysterious scene at midnight, where hidden desires and obsessions emerge. The reference to Bollywood and heroes turning on a spit suggests the superficiality and manipulation within the entertainment industry. The lovers in the song are unable to resolve their conflicts, representing the timeless struggle between individuals. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of cleverness and manipulation, with someone's drawn lights sparkling on a merry-go-round, captivating and hypnotizing everyone. This alludes to the power of deception and the loss of control in the art of forgery. The phrase "Where is the art of sorcery, we wanna be fooled again" expresses the desire to be enchanted and amazed, willingly submitting to deception. It highlights the fascination and helplessness humans can feel when faced with skillful manipulation. The song then shifts to the idea of facing reality and calling things as they are. The mention of a monkey and his grinder indicates a performance or act, but one that is perceived differently on a different level of understanding or consciousness. The slow-eyed Mandarin's statement of having nothing to say and the suggestion of a possible mistake on the staircase symbolize the lack of clarity and miscommunication in life. The mention of algebra and time again points to the complexities and abstract nature of existence. In summary, "Zen" by John Cale explores the search for meaning, the allure of deception, the struggle with reality, and the challenges of communication and understanding within the complexities of life.
