The song describes the ironbound section near Avenue L, where Portuguese women come to see what is being sold. The lyrics depict the atmosphere of the area, with low-hanging clouds and slow mornings. The mention of wires cutting through the sky and beams and bridges cutting the light on the ground gives a sense of industrialization. The song also explores themes of longing and escape, as the woman in the song touches someone goodbye and imagines a life away from the ironbound border. The ironbound market is mentioned, where the woman stops at a stall and feels a longing. The song ends with a repeated refrain about fancy poultry parts being sold, emphasizing a contrast between the mundane realities of everyday life and the desire for something more.

Meaning of "Ironbound / Fancy Poultry" by Suzanne Vega

The song "Ironbound / Fancy Poultry" by Suzanne Vega vividly describes the ironbound section near Avenue L, specifically focusing on the presence of Portuguese women who frequent the area. The opening lines set the scene with low clouds and a slow morning, but also introduce the image of wires cutting through the sky, symbolizing the interconnectedness of different parts of the community. The mention of "beams and bridges" cutting the light on the ground into triangles represents the influence of industrialization and infrastructure in shaping the landscape. This imagery suggests that the environment itself plays a role in people's experiences and opportunities.

The lyrics delve into themes of confinement and longing for escape, particularly through the character of the woman who touches someone goodbye and imagines a life beyond the ironbound border. The ironbound schoolyard becomes a symbolic space for growth, where children "grow like weeds on a fence." This line suggests that despite the challenging environment, children still seek growth and understanding, much like weeds pushing through cracks in the pavement. The woman's desire for something more is expressed through her contemplation at the ironbound market, where she stops at a stall, fingers a ring, and feels a longing. The mention of "fancy poultry parts" sold there serves as a contrast between the mundane realities of everyday life and the desire for something more fulfilling or extravagant.

Overall, the song explores the experiences of a specific community within the ironbound section, focusing on the lives of Portuguese women. It portrays a sense of entrapment, both due to the physical environment and the limitations of one's circumstances. However, it also highlights the resilience and longing for something better, as individuals touch moments of escape or daydream about a different life. The repeated refrain of "fancy poultry parts sold here" serves as a reminder of the everyday realities that contrast with these dreams and desires. It suggests the presence of a mundane and repetitive existence that can be difficult to escape.