The song "Vaudeville" by Sidney Gish tells a story with a blend of historical references and personal reflections. The lyrics depict different time periods and characters, highlighting their strength, struggles, and experiences. The first verse begins by mentioning an ancient time, specifically 20,000 years ago during the ice age. The narrator imagines themselves in a cave, fighting off a tiger and proudly displaying the bite marks on their face. This portrays a sense of resilience and survival amidst challenging circumstances. The chorus emphasizes the beauty and allure of the world, using phrases like "What a pretty sight" and "What a magic rhyme." It also mentions reading VICE, a magazine known for its thought-provoking and unconventional content. The narrator ponders their own intelligence and admits to possibly being inspired by other artists' work. In the second verse, the focus shifts to another character, a woman from "ninety thousand years ago" who is portrayed as equally strong. She is by the sea, igniting a fire by burning dead trees. This emphasizes her resourcefulness and ability to adapt to her environment. The chorus is repeated again, highlighting the enchanting aspects of life. The mention of a "white row" suggests that she has some form of companionship, although it may not be entirely satisfactory. The third verse introduces a different character, a proto-mammal from "ninety million years ago." This creature is depicted as being on all fours and having short thoughts. It is implied that he is ultimately consumed by the dinosaurs, symbolizing the struggle for survival in a changing world. The chorus is repeated once more, emphasizing the beauty of existence despite challenging circumstances. The final lines portray a suburban boy living a somewhat rebellious lifestyle, finding joy in a less conventional way. The mention of taking pills and putting on a show like vaudeville suggests a sense of escapism and the desire to break free from societal norms. In summary, "Vaudeville" by Sidney Gish weaves together different stories and time periods to highlight the strength, struggle, and experiences of various characters. The lyrics explore themes of resilience, adaptability, and individuality while celebrating the beauty and magic of life.
