Meaning of "She Took My Soul in Istanbul" by Marc Almond

The lyrics of "She Took My Soul in Istanbul" delve into the complexities of love, desire, and the dark allure of forbidden and dangerous relationships. The narrator's encounter with the woman in Istanbul represents a romanticized yet destructive connection that leaves him feeling entrapped and consumed. The imagery of the forbidden world, the scent of Turkish oils and tobacco, and the torch song laced with Arabian mysteries create an atmosphere of seduction and fatal attraction. The repetition of being a "fool for love" highlights the narrator's willingness to surrender himself to passion, even at the cost of losing his sense of self. The references to sorrow, tears, and darkness point towards the inevitable pain and emptiness that come with such intense yet fleeting experiences. Overall, the lyrics speak to the universal theme of desire and the pursuit of love, even when it leads to inner turmoil and self-destruction.