The lyrics describe a woman who captivates people with her beauty and innocence. However, there is a sense of falsehood and deception in her appearance, as indicated by a warning that if she reveals her true self, the sky will fall down. Ultimately, she is portrayed as someone who is pretty and high, but also a liar.

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Meaning of "Pretty and High" by The Roches


These lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on the expectations placed on women to conform to certain standards of beauty and behavior. The woman in the song is depicted as charming and enchanting, but there is an underlying sense of artifice and pretense to her allure. The warning that the sky will fall down if she reveals her true self can be seen as a metaphor for the potential consequences of breaking societal norms or expectations. This idea is further explored through the reference to the prince and the magician, who represent figures of authority and control. The final lines, where the speaker reveals their own experience of being pretty and high, but also a liar, can be seen as a reflection on the duality and complexity of identity. Overall, the lyrics suggest a critique of superficiality and the pressure to maintain appearances in order to fit in or be accepted.