Meaning of "Little Blue" by The Beautiful South

The lyrics of "Little Blue" delve into the theme of appearances versus reality, suggesting that things are not always as they seem. The song opens with the line "You can't write a novel from a briefcase, you can write a poem from a trench," emphasizing the notion that depth and substance cannot always be contained or expressed in something small or superficial. This idea is further explored throughout the song as various examples are presented.

The recurring line "Little Blue, how do you do, your smile looks like heaven, but your eyes hold a storm about to brew" encapsulates the central message of the song. It draws attention to the contrast between a seemingly happy exterior and the hidden turmoil within. The use of the color blue, often associated with sadness or melancholy, further reinforces this contrast.

The lyrics also make use of metaphorical references to illustrate the point. For instance, the comparison of a flower laden with dew to a person burdened with inner sadness suggests that beauty and pain can coexist. Similarly, the mention of not naming a boat "Titanic II" or calling a plane "Flying Roman" symbolizes the importance of not repeating past mistakes or misjudging appearances.

The song further explores the idea of expressing oneself and finding solace in unconventional ways. The mention of Bukowski writing a story from a barstool and Keats writing from a hill implies that creativity and inspiration can arise from unlikely circumstances. This is juxtaposed with the idea of saving a special song for someone from a grave, highlighting the contrast between life and death, noise and silence.

Overall, "Little Blue" serves as a reminder to not judge solely based on appearances and to acknowledge the complexities that can lie beneath a seemingly pleasant facade.