The meaning of Like A Tattoo by Sade

The song 'Like a Tattoo' by Sade deeply explores the theme of sorrow, disillusionment, and longing. The song essentially conveys the feelings of a young soldier disillusioned by the tragedy of war and the destructive impact it has on human life. The emotional depth that the song portrays reaches the listener on many levels. An ingrained part of Sade's album 'Love Deluxe,' 'Like a Tattoo' bears the classic Sade signature of soulful earnestness, tinged with an indelible mark of pain.

Sade employs metaphoric storytelling in 'Like a Tattoo' to vividly express the disillusionment experienced by the soldier. The opening lines, "He told me sweet lies of sweet love, Heavy with the burden of the truth" essentially encapsulates the disillusionment and betrayed hopes often tied to the reality of war. The soldier’s story, represented metaphorically through the song, is thus symbolic of the universal human experience of disillusionment and sorrow.

The title 'Like a Tattoo' itself holds deep layers of significance. Tattoos, by nature, are permanent entities etched onto the skin. Just as a tattoo forms an indelible imprint, the experiences and emotional burdens borne by the soldier create an everlasting impression on his soul. The song exemplifies how profound life experiences have the power to permanently shape and alter one's life path.

The song does not merely focus on the psychological toll. The lyrics "And six hundred more for being naive" bemoan the physical sacrifices stemming from naivety and youthful idealism. These words essentially serve as a poignant commentary on the high price one often pays for innocence and unexamined faith.

Amidst the sorrow and pain inherent in 'Like a Tattoo,' Sade's song also taps into the raw and resilient will to endure and to keep moving forward. The engrossing lyrics accompanied by Sade’s soothing, mellifluous voice reiterate the melancholy yet resilient message embedded in the song. By the end, 'Like a Tattoo' emerges not merely as a narrative of disillusionment, but also as a testament to human resilience in the face of hardship.

In conclusion, 'Like a Tattoo' by Sade transcends the barriers of personal narrative, becoming a salient exploration of universal emotional struggle and survival. With its poignant lyrics and emotive rhythm, the song brilliantly encapsulates the realities of despair, resilience, and, ultimately, the human capacity for endurance. In every aspect, 'Like a Tattoo' remains a powerful addition to Sade's discography, echoing the profundity of human emotions in its every note.