The lyrics describe a lively scene at the Hush Hotel, where people are dancing to a new beat and doing a dance called the Metropolitan Glide. References to various random and whimsical images, like gypsies in a Cadillac, a China moon, and a machine gun laugh, paint a colorful picture of the dance floor.

Meaning of "Metropolitan Glide" by Tom Waits

The lyrics of "Metropolitan Glide" by Tom Waits evoke a sense of chaotic joy and reckless abandon. The repeated calls of "Are you ready!?" set the stage for a wild and unpredictable dance party happening at the Hush Hotel. The Metropolitan Glide, introduced in the song, serves as a metaphor for letting go of inhibitions and embracing the moment fully. The imagery used throughout the song is nonsensical yet vivid, painting a picture of a surreal and vibrant scene where the boundaries of reality and fantasy blur. The various allusions to objects and ideas, ranging from a Rainbow Trout to a machine gun laugh, suggest a sense of freedom and spontaneity that is both liberating and intoxicating. The upbeat tempo and energetic delivery of the lyrics further enhance the sense of euphoria and unrestrained celebration depicted in the song.