Meaning of "The Palace of Versailles" by Al Stewart

The lyrics of "The Palace of Versailles" by Al Stewart delve into the aftermath of the French Revolution and the lingering effects of such a monumental event on the people of France. The imagery of the smoke rising from the Bastille and the deserted mansions of the kings convey a sense of destruction and change. The reference to Robespierre and Bonaparte indicates the political turmoil and transition that France went through during that period. The constant waiting and wondering why reflect the uncertainty and lost hope that must have been prevalent at the time. The mention of the ghost of revolution prowling the streets suggests that the revolution's impact was long-lasting and continued to haunt the people even after the dust had settled. The line "It speaks inside the cheap red wine of café summer nights" could symbolize the way the revolution's ideals were talked about and remembered in a more casual, everyday setting, showing how deeply ingrained it had become in the fabric of society.