Goodbye Yellow Brick Rd. Do we understand its meaning?
Mon 10:01 pm +00:00, 24 Jun 2024What’s the real meaning of the song Yellow Brick Road?
The road paved with gold that draws in the young to leave home and go to the city to seek their fortunes.
Many find that the job offered and accepted might not be exactly what they thought it would be.
The song is narrated by the young man – he’s gone for the yellow brick road,
‘Where the dogs of society howl…’ – so what makes them howl?
It could be penetration.
‘I’m not a gift for your friends to open…’ – maybe they have to pay as well.
‘This boy’s too young to be singing the blues…’ Exploitation and abuse wouldn’t make anyone happy.
‘You know you can’t hold me forever…’ – that’s about par for a quick bit of action. ‘I didn’t sign up with you.’
Is the client taking too long to finish?
‘When are you gonna come….down. When are you going to land?’
The boy wants the job over as quick as possible.
‘You can’t plant me in your penthouse..’ That sounds like a euphemism for penetration in a luxury flat in town. He’s declining business visiting clients having parties.
‘I’m going back to my farm – back to the howling old owl in the woods, back to the horny back toad ‘ – not black toad – the horny back toad that rides on your back maybe….
Maybe he prefers working back at the farm – the brothel? – where he’s not required to service multiple clients.
Beyond Yellow Brick Road? The life of a rent boy’s not so great. And it’s hard to get out once you’re signed in.
What do you think you’ll do then?
I bet they’ll shoot down the plane
It’ll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again – exhausted after a long performance, the boy’s had enough and crashes to the floor exhausted. The howling dogs want him back in action. Plying children with alcohol is all part of the scene.
Maybe you’ll get a replacement
There’s plenty like me to be found
Mongrels who ain’t got a penny
Sniffing for tidbits like you
On the ground, ah, ah
So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
