The Meaning Behind The Song: “Rimbaud Eyes” by Dum Dum Girls

Indie band Dum Dum Girls released “Rimbaud Eyes” in 2014 as part of their album “Too True.” The song has a dreamy, shoegaze-inspired sound with a touch of punk rock. However, beyond its musical attributes, the song has a lot of depth in its lyrics, which have a rich history and literary influence.

The Inspiration for “Rimbaud Eyes”

The song is directly inspired by Arthur Rimbaud, a French poet who lived in the late 19th century. Rimbaud is known for his unconventional and often visceral approach to writing, as well as his tumultuous life. He was a major figure in the French Symbolist movement and is still widely celebrated for his contributions to the world of poetry.

Dum Dum Girls frontwoman Dee Dee Penny has said that she was inspired to write “Rimbaud Eyes” after reading a biography of Rimbaud that focused on his genius and passion. She was struck by the idea of how someone can be both brilliant and destructive, which echoes Rimbaud’s own story.

Penny was also drawn to Rimbaud’s physical appearance, specifically his “piercing” and “intense” eyes. She felt that his eyes represented his inner spirit and the passion that drove him to create. In the song, Penny compares the person she is singing about to Rimbaud, using his eyes as a metaphor for their creativity and intensity.

The Lyrics of “Rimbaud Eyes”

The lyrics of “Rimbaud Eyes” are complex and metaphorical, as is common in Dum Dum Girls’ music. The song tells the story of a person whose “eyes are like Rimbaud” and whose passion and intensity have caught Penny’s attention. The lyrics contain references to Rimbaud’s poetry and his often-turbulent life.

In the chorus, Penny sings:

“With your Rimbaud eyes / And your Saint Laurent disguise / You could make a grown man cry / Got me movin’, movin’ higher”

Here, she is referencing Rimbaud’s time spent in Africa, where he lived as a trader and slave driver. During this period, Rimbaud wore Arab clothing and was often mistaken for a local. He also wrote a collection of poems called “Illuminations,” which contained vivid and mystical images of the African landscape.

The line “You could make a grown man cry” is a tribute to another rock icon, Elvis Presley, who had a song with the same title. Elvis was known for his emotional performances and the way he could move his audience to tears. Penny may be drawing a connection between Rimbaud’s intensity and the emotional power of music.

In the second verse, Penny sings:

“Came from the sea / With an ocean underneath / Got your lover saying please, please, please”

This line may be a reference to Rimbaud’s poem “Après Le Déluge,” which contains the line “The sea, an immense green rose, closed over me.” Rimbaud often used water as a symbol for emotions and transformation.

The line “Got your lover saying please, please, please” could be interpreted in a number of ways. It may be a reference to Rimbaud’s tumultuous love life, which was often characterized by intense passion and frequent breakups. Alternatively, it could be a commentary on how people with intense creativity can be both alluring and dangerous.

The Reception of “Rimbaud Eyes”

“Rimbaud Eyes” was a critical success upon its release, with many music critics praising its dreamy sound and poetic lyrics. The song was also featured in several commercials and TV shows, including the HBO series “Girls.”

The song’s literary and historical references have also been celebrated by some critics. Writing for The Guardian, critic Laura Snapes called the song an “exhilarating love song to passionate, poisoned youth,” and praised the way Penny used Rimbaud’s story to explore the theme of destructive creativity.

FAQs

1. Who is Arthur Rimbaud?

Arthur Rimbaud was a French poet who lived in the late 19th century. He was known for his unconventional approach to writing and his tumultuous personal life.

2. How did Rimbaud influence Dee Dee Penny?

Dee Dee Penny was inspired by Rimbaud’s passion and creativity, as well as his intense eyes. She felt that his story represented the idea of brilliance and destructiveness in a single person.

3. What is the meaning of the lyrics in “Rimbaud Eyes”?

The lyrics of “Rimbaud Eyes” are metaphorical and complex, but they essentially tell the story of a person with intense passion and creativity who is compared to Arthur Rimbaud.

4. Why is Rimbaud such an important figure in literature?

Rimbaud is celebrated for his unconventional approach to writing, as well as his symbolism and his vivid and often violent imagery. His life story is also fascinating, as he was known for his tumultuous relationships and his self-imposed exile from society.

5. What other works by Rimbaud should I check out?

Some of Rimbaud’s most famous works include “Une Saison en Enfer,” “Illuminations,” and “Les Illuminations.” These collections contain some of his most famous and impactful poems.

6. What other bands are influenced by Rimbaud?

Many artists have been influenced by Rimbaud, including Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, and Jim Morrison of The Doors. These artists have cited Rimbaud as an inspiration for their own literary and musical endeavors.

7. How did Rimbaud’s life inspire “Rimbaud Eyes”?

Dee Dee Penny was inspired by Rimbaud’s story of passion and self-destructiveness, as well as his intense eyes. She drew on these references to create a metaphorical story about a person with similar characteristics.

8. What does the line “Got your lover saying please, please, please” mean?

This line could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it may be a reference to the intense love affairs Rimbaud had during his life. It could also be a commentary on how creativity and intensity can be both alluring and dangerous.

9. What is the overall message of “Rimbaud Eyes”?

The song is about passion and creativity, and how they can sometimes be both beautiful and destructive. It is also a tribute to the influence of Arthur Rimbaud and his impact on the world of literature and poetry.

10. Are there any music videos for “Rimbaud Eyes”?

Yes, there is an official music video for “Rimbaud Eyes” which features Dee Dee Penny and the rest of the band performing the song against a psychedelic backdrop.

11. What other songs by Dum Dum Girls should I listen to?

Some other popular songs by Dum Dum Girls include “Lost Boys and Girls Club,” “Bedroom Eyes,” and “Coming Down.”

12. What has the critical reception been for “Too True”?

“Too True” has generally been well-received by critics, with many praising its dreamy and melodic sound. The album features several standout tracks, including “Rimbaud Eyes,” “Lost Boys and Girls Club,” and “Are You Okay?.”