Meaning of "The Caterpillar" by The Cure

"The Caterpillar" is a metaphorical exploration of a relationship in which the narrator is infatuated with a girl who continually transforms, just like a caterpillar goes through various stages before becoming a butterfly. The flickering and glowing imagery used throughout the song reflects the girl's stunning presence in the narrator's mind. The lyrics also suggest a certain vulnerability in the narrator's emotions, as he feels hypnotized and mesmerized by her. The line, "Your flames, the flames that kiss me dead," expresses a mix of passion and potential destruction in their connection. The mention of dusting lemon lies with powder pink and sweet reveals the narrator's tendency to deceive himself or mask his true feelings with something visually pleasing. This deception could arise from his fear of the girl changing and leaving him, as he proclaims that the day he stops dusting his lies is the day she will fly away. Overall, "The Caterpillar" delves into themes of longing, fear of loss, and the mesmerizing power of love.