Mirror
Reflections of Identity: The Knocking Shop Door
Lyrics
They could be fat or could be thin
Reflecting on the diverse physical appearances of individuals, whether they are overweight or thin.
They could be black, they could be white
Emphasizing the racial diversity of people, regardless of being black or white.
Tell me who's knocking at the knocking shop door tonight
Pondering who is visiting a place associated with sexual activities (knocking shop).
Not much a girl can do but open or close
Highlighting limited choices for a woman in such a situation - either accepting or rejecting advances.
Those things are above doors
Referring to objects or symbols above doors, possibly suggesting societal expectations or pressures.
Not much legs can do but open or close
Similar to line 5, emphasizing limited options for a woman's legs in this context.
Those things are above us whores
Suggesting societal judgments (above) on women involved in sex work (whores).
So imagine a mirror
Inviting the listener to visualize a metaphorical mirror, possibly representing self-reflection.
Bigger than the room it was placed in
Describing a mirror that is larger than the space it occupies, symbolizing an overwhelming self-awareness.
Imagine my wish for a future that cannot hold my wish
Expressing a desire for a future that cannot accommodate or fulfill personal wishes.
Imagine the want to hold a rod that cannot hold the fish
Imagining a desire to control or possess something (rod) that is incapable of fulfilling the intended purpose.
Imagine a rod that cannot hold the fish
Reiterating the idea of an ineffectual tool (rod) unable to achieve its purpose.
They could be lonely or could be bust
Considering the emotional state of individuals, whether they are lonely or emotionally overwhelmed.
They could be tack, they could be real
Introducing the concept of material characteristics, such as being tacky or genuine.
They do have feelings, but just right now I feel
Acknowledging that individuals have emotions, but the speaker's feelings might be different at the moment.
A feminine receptacle, that's just what I am
Describing oneself as a receptacle with feminine qualities, possibly alluding to objectification.
Those things are above us whores
Reiterating societal judgments on women in sex work, emphasizing their perceived position.
Just the best target practice, for a misguided man
Suggesting that women in this context are seen as targets for misguided individuals.
Those things are above us whores
Repeating the idea that societal pressures are above (judging) women involved in sex work.
So imagine a mirror
Reintroducing the metaphorical mirror, possibly underlining the persistent theme of self-reflection.
Bigger than the room it was placed in
Reiterating the overwhelming self-awareness represented by a mirror larger than its surroundings.
Imagine my wish for a future that cannot hold my wish
Expressing a desire for a future that remains incapable of fulfilling personal wishes.
Imagine the want to hold a rod that cannot hold the fish
Imagining a desire for something (rod) that is incapable of fulfilling its intended purpose, mirroring earlier lines.
Imagine a rod that cannot hold the fish
Repeating the concept of an ineffectual tool (rod) unable to fulfill its intended purpose.
Comment