Expert: Bong Santos - 4/10/2009

Question
Mixed with the Theivery Corporation, in 1997 David Byrne's song "Dance on Vaseline" has rather abstract lyrics that I'm trying to comprehend. Any analysis or thoughts (line by line or full song) on the meaning would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Dear Ivan,

I'm not pretty sure if this would offer any kind of help to your question. Here's its lyrics:

I'm taking back the knowledge
I'm taking back the gentleness
I'm taking back the ritual
I'm giving in to sweetness

I'm taking back the knowledge
I'm taking back the gentleness
I'm taking back the ritual
I'm giving in to sweetness

And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
Don't let the day begin
And I'm working out time to time for evolutionn
Don't let the music in

Come preacherman, shoot me
with your poisoned arrow
But I dance on Vaseline
And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
You don't let the music in

And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
Don't let the day begin
And I'm working out time to time for evolutionn
Don't let the music in

Come preacherman, shoot me
with your poisoned arrow
But I dance on Vaseline
And I'm tripping out working on a revolution
You don't let the music in.

Maraming salamat po!!

BONG M. SANTOS
Manila, Philippines