The narrator reminisces about his youth spent at carnivals, especially during Mardi Gras, where he experienced lust, sin, and fun. He remembers the excitement of the parade, the Carnival Queen, and the flambeaux man with a gold earring.

Meaning of "Serpentine" by Jimmy Buffett

"Serpentine" by Jimmy Buffett captures the nostalgia and longing for the carefree days of youth. The carnival symbolizes a time of innocence and excitement, where the narrator felt truly alive, experiencing a mix of joy and rebelliousness. The references to adolescent lust and the pursuit of pleasure reflect a desire to break free from societal constraints and embrace life to the fullest. The Carnival Queen represents a symbol of allure and beauty, ultimately embodying the transient nature of happiness and the inevitability of consequences. Despite the passage of time and the reality of life's struggles, the narrator still holds onto the memories and feelings of freedom experienced during those carnival days.