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Golden Brown: The Stranglers, Strange Little Girls, and the Darkness Within

Gerald Parker

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Published in A Multitude Of Sins: Golden Brown The Stranglers And Strange Little Girls

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A Multitude of Sins: Golden Brown, The Stranglers and Strange Little Girls

by Hugh Cornwell

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1042 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	223 pages

The Stranglers' "Golden Brown" is a song that has captivated listeners for decades with its haunting melody, enigmatic lyrics, and pervasive sense of unease. Released in 1981, the track became an instant hit, reaching the top 10 in the UK and several other countries. But beyond its commercial success, "Golden Brown" has also garnered a reputation as a song with a dark and twisted underbelly, a tale that hints at sinister undercurrents and hidden meanings.

The Enigmatic "Strange Little Girls"

At the heart of "Golden Brown" are the enigmatic "strange little girls," a recurring motif that permeates the song's lyrics. These mysterious figures are portrayed as both alluring and menacing, with their "strange little ways" and "eyes so bright." The speaker's fascination with these girls is palpable, yet there is also a sense of unease, a suggestion that they represent something darker and more sinister.

The identity of the "strange little girls" has been the subject of much speculation over the years. Some have suggested that they are a metaphor for the speaker's own troubled childhood, while others believe they represent the lure of addiction or the temptation of forbidden pleasures. Whatever their true meaning, the "strange little girls" serve as a constant reminder of the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface of innocence.

The Sinister Imagery of Darkness

Another striking feature of "Golden Brown" is its pervasive imagery of darkness. The song is filled with references to "dark corners," "black shadows," and "nightmares," creating a sense of foreboding and unease. The darkness in the song is both literal and metaphorical, representing both the physical dangers that lurk in the shadows and the psychological darkness that can consume the mind.

The speaker's fear of the darkness is evident throughout the lyrics. He sings of "strange creatures" that "creep and crawl" in the night, and of the "shadows" that "follow" him wherever he goes. This fear of the unknown is a powerful and primal emotion, and it serves to heighten the sense of tension and suspense that permeates the song.

The Haunting Lyrics

The lyrics of "Golden Brown" are as enigmatic and haunting as the song's music. The speaker's voice is filled with a sense of longing and regret, as he reflects on a past love that has gone wrong. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery and evocative language, creating a vivid and memorable soundscape.

One of the most striking features of the lyrics is their use of repetition. The phrase "golden brown" is repeated throughout the song, like a mantra or a haunting refrain. This repetition serves to emphasize the speaker's obsession with the past and his inability to escape its clutches.

Cultural Impact

"Golden Brown" has had a profound impact on popular culture. The song has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been covered by a wide range of artists, from David Bowie to UB40. The song's enduring appeal is a testament to its timeless melody, haunting lyrics, and enduring sense of unease.

"Golden Brown" is more than just a pop song. It is a dark and twisted tale that explores the hidden dangers that lurk beneath the surface of innocence. The song's haunting lyrics, sinister imagery, and pervasive sense of unease have made it a classic of the rock genre, and it continues to captivate listeners to this day.

"Golden Brown" by The Stranglers is a song that has stood the test of time. Its haunting melody, enigmatic lyrics, and pervasive sense of unease have made it a classic of the rock genre. The song's dark and twisted themes continue to resonate with listeners today, and it remains a powerful and evocative exploration of the darkness that can lurk within us all.

A Multitude of Sins: Golden Brown, The Stranglers and Strange Little Girls

by Hugh Cornwell

4.2 out of 5