Meaning of "Lulu" by Natalie Merchant

"Lulu" by Natalie Merchant delves into the rise and fall of a Hollywood starlet, using her as a symbol of the transient nature of fame and fortune. Lulu, born wild and free, found herself propelled into the glittering world of Hollywood where her beauty and grace captivated audiences. However, her rapid ascent was followed by an equally rapid descent as she burned out just as quickly as she rose to stardom. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking fame and validation from external sources, as well as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly success. Lulu's tragic story reflects the harsh realities of the entertainment industry and the ephemeral nature of celebrity status. The reference to Weimar Berlin and the rise before the fall serves as a metaphor for Lulu's own rise to fame before her inevitable downfall, capturing the essence of the cyclical nature of success and failure in the public eye.