The song "Marmalade Eyes" by Joseph Arthur tells a story about not wanting to fulfill someone's expectations and desires, represented by the metaphorical references to an airplane, a boogieman, and a greyhound bus. The lyrics imply that the narrator does not want to be there solely to provide comfort or support to someone, especially when their dreams have faded. The line "Giving you something to believe after your dreams have gone to bed" suggests that the narrator doesn't want to be a source of false hope or a substitute for the person's lost aspirations. The mention of "mama's marmalade eyes" portrays a maternal figure, perhaps symbolizing a sense of love or protection. The eyes are described as lighting up the sky, emphasizing their significance and impact. The lyrics speak to the emotional intensity and overwhelming presence of this person. The song also touches upon the concept of identity and hiding one's true intentions. The reference to being a "boogieman looking for a place to hide" indicates the narrator's desire to escape from being someone's source of fear or distress. The line "Hoping that you turn out the lights so I could crawl into your mind" conveys a deeper longing to understand the person and their thoughts. The final verse reveals yet another metaphorical representation, this time as a greyhound bus. This portrays a journey towards finding a trustworthy city that can make everything seem right, suggesting a search for a place or situation that can provide solace and relieve the burdens of life. Overall, "Marmalade Eyes" speaks to the complexity of relationships and the desire to be understood and accepted on a deeper level. It portrays a sense of longing, independence, and the need for authenticity in human connections.
