Meaning of "Magician (Internally)" by Lou Reed

The lyrics of "Magician (Internally)" delve deep into themes of mortality, illness, and the desire for escape from physical and emotional suffering. The repeated plea to the magician represents a hope for transcendence, a belief in the power of magic to provide relief from the harsh realities of the speaker's deteriorating health. The imagery of flying through a storm to awaken in calm symbolizes a journey through hardship towards a state of peace and renewal. The contrast between the outer appearance of aging and illness and the inner sense of vitality and beauty highlights the disconnect between the physical body and the spirit within, emphasizing the longing for freedom from the constraints of the flesh. The lyrics touch upon existential fears of annihilation and the quest for meaning and redemption in the face of mortality. Ultimately, the speaker's plea for magic and miracles reflects a deep yearning for transformation and release from the limitations of human existence.