Meaning of "Scarlet Fever" by Kenny Rogers

"Scarlet Fever" is a story of unrequited love and the longing for something that is unattainable. The narrator is immediately captivated by Scarlet's dancing, seeing her as enchanting and alluring. He becomes infatuated with her, creating a fantasy in his mind where she falls in love with him. However, Scarlet remains distant and uninterested in him, only existing in his dreams. Despite knowing that she is out of reach, he can't help but still feel the "scarlet fever" every time he sees her. The song explores the pain and longing associated with unrequited love, highlighting the narrator's inability to let go of his fantasies even though he knows they will never become a reality.

The nightclub setting serves as a metaphor for the divide between the narrator and Scarlet. While he watches her dance, he becomes increasingly aware of the fact that she is performing for the crowd, not for him specifically. The ribbons in her hair symbolize her allure and mystique, drawing the narrator in further. However, he acknowledges that she is simply a night club teaser, not paid to notice him. The lyrics also touch on the disparity between age and appearance, with Scarlet appearing older but being revealed to be just 16. This suggests that the narrator, and others like him, are easily deceived by Scarlet's seductive charm.

The ending of the song deals with the narrator's realization that his dreams of being with Scarlet are shattered. The sign outside the nightclub indicates that she has moved on to pursue a different life, leaving the narrator behind with his broken dreams. Despite this, he still holds on to the hope that she will notice him and choose to be with him. The repeated line "Yes, I get scarlet fever every time I see her" demonstrates the narrator's inability to let go, emphasizing the intense longing he feels for someone who will never reciprocate his feelings.

Overall, "Scarlet Fever" explores themes of unrequited love, fantasy, and the pain of longing for something that can never be obtained. It paints a vivid picture of a man captivated by a woman's beauty and unable to move on, ultimately ending with a bittersweet acceptance of an unattainable love.