+He stands towering over me beside my bed
I like this image, even though the man is later going to be described as a "small" man. In a male-female pair, the man is ordinarily bigger and stronger. (I realize that this is actually less so in the
ABBA couples, but I mean on average). I take this to be a biological/Darwinian kind of thing.
This size difference allows men to IMPOSE on women in a different way than women can impose
on a man. I suspect it accounts for some of the fundamental differences of experience men and
women have of a given interaction. And if you want to IMPOSE yourself, what better way than
by taking the vertical posture, while the listener is horizontal and below you. I feel sympathy for
her already.
-Losing his head
vague, and not supported by the rest of the lyrics. I suspect what was called for was something
more to the meaning of "pompous." Of course, I can't think of a rhyme that gets me there, either.
Tells me I must take him seriously
+Droning on the usual way
who thinks to use the word "droning", five words making a whole picture
+He's such a clever guy
perfect again, and Frida slugs us with the sarcasm. Credit where credit is due: Bjorn is ahead of
his time in finding this wry female perspective, and putting it into any song.
+And I wonder should I laugh or cry
the sentiment fits; the rhyme works unobtrusively
-He's (he's) dressed (dressed) in the striped pajamas that I bought
- -Trousers too short
Alright, what gives. Is this an awkward way of saying this "philospher" looks like an idiot as he lectures her in his little pajamas? If so, did she buy these pajamas to make him look an idiot? This little detail may have come from a real life moment, but it is too obscure, and the rhyme is a reach I just don't want to hear.
- High and mighty his banner flies
Okay, lets stop laughing at the sexual innuendo here. I think the "banner" is the self-impressed
philosophizing. There was a chance to maybe strengthen this a little by using "banter", but I don't
hear that. Using "banner" forces a new metaphor into the song, which is not carried through.
"Flies" is gonna visually connect to the "Balloon" imagery, but ugh, that's also from nowhere.
A fool's pride in his eyes
+Standing there on his toes
wonderful image, the little martinet
- to grow in size
this almost works to complete the prior thought (and make sure we don't miss the point, but so
awkward.
- -All I see is a big balloon
- -Halfway up to the moon
Anyone's guess here..."airbag", "hothead", "stuffed shirt". Or are the words just full of ....nothing,
floating over and away from her? Bjorn, you've lost me.
++Strange (strange) how (how) dangerously indifferent I have grown
Not so strange, really, my dear. I think the craft is in sticking in "dangerously". Bjorn succeeds
here in sustaining the image of the opening stanza, same mood, same issue. Not long to go for
this couple. See also: We Won't Be Going Anywhere.
-Cold as a stone
An easy rhyme. Problem is, "cold as a stone" is farther along toward the breakup than
"indifferent."
+ No (no) more (more) pain where there was pain before
+Far away he rambles on
Both lines return to the image of indifference; nicely oblique, and ramble and drone are a good
pair.
- I feel my throat go dry
why a physiological reaction if she is indifferent. I don't think my throat gets dry in anticipation of
laughing or crying, does yours? Sounds like just a seque to rhyme with "cry" in the final line.
And I wonder should I laugh or cry......