Meaning of "Helen of Troy" by Robert Plant

The lyrics of "Helen of Troy" by Robert Plant depict a woman who is strong-willed, independent, and unapologetically herself. The comparisons to a gunslinger and a steam train convey her fearless and unstoppable nature, while references to being tall in the saddle and having a rose in her teeth paint her as a fierce and untamable force. The repeated question of "Tell me why" hints at a longing for understanding or validation, perhaps from society or from the person being addressed in the song. The world waiting for her symbolizes the potential and possibilities that lie ahead, yet there is a sense of frustration or disconnect in not being able to fully embrace or acknowledge that waiting world. Overall, the lyrics celebrate a woman who defies expectations and blazes her own path, refusing to conform to societal norms and expectations.