Meaning of "The Little Flower Girl" by Ian Anderson

"The Little Flower Girl" by Ian Anderson appears to depict an older man's fascination with a young girl, portrayed as innocent and pure. The man seems to have a sense of guilt or unease about his thoughts and actions towards her, as he insists he means no harm. The repeated references to painting and sketching the girl's features suggest a desire to capture her appearance and preserve it in a way that suits his perspective. The lyrics could be interpreted as a reflection on the complexities of desire, innocence, and the age-old trope of the artist-muse relationship, all wrapped in a veil of denial and self-awareness. The song possibly explores themes of longing, regret, and the moral implications of artistic admiration.