Expert: Lee Bastian - 2/10/2006

Question
What does ran-tan mean (in the Kate Bush song)?

Answer
    Hello and thank you for your question.Ran Tan Waltz was written by Kate from a male's perspective.It's about a man who marries too young and obviously the wrong woman.From the lyrics I'm quite sure that "ran tan" means that she is out partying and sleeping around on her husband while he takes care of the baby.
    Lyrics from the song that back this up are:"where is she when the little thing cries,she lies in a bed with a friend of mine","four o'clock and the key's in the lock,and she's been on the win and she's stinking of drink,wakes the kid so I put him to sleep,and she's in there all night doubled over the sink","oh oh why did I ever go marry her,I was a child,I'm holding the baby,she's ran-tanning constantly,she saw me coming for miles,she saw me open wide".
    So this young man foolishly married a woman who saw that she could take advantage of him.She could drink all night and cheat on him while he takes care of their baby.
    I hope that answers your question and thanks again for the question.Always my pleasure.Have a great day!!