☝️ Key Points
- 'Frederick' is a symbol of love and care that represents her relationship with her husband.
- The lyrics express freedom and liveliness through singing and dancing, symbolizing their relationship and spiritual journeys.
- The lines 'Maybe someday we'll come back' represent the impermanence and transience of life and the hope of returning to love.
- 'Kisses' and 'breaths' emphasize the physical intimacy and closeness in their relationship.
- 'Frederick' is the 'only one' with whom she travels 'from sun to sun' and the song ends with the expression of her admiration and devotion for him.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'Frederick' by
Patti Smith are a romantic and spiritual ode to her then-husband, guitarist Fred 'Sonic' Smith. She uses his name, 'Frederick', as a symbol of love and care.
In the song lyrics, she wakes up and talks about the divine spark that burns in all of us. She speaks of 'Frederick' as a name that symbolizes care and mentions how her guardian angels illuminate her sleeping head.
Throughout the song, she expresses her longing and desire to sing and dance, a hint at the freedom and vitality she feels in her relationship. She also talks about the 'now' and the moment to say 'hello' and start their spiritual journeys.
The lines 'Maybe we'll come back someday' point to the impermanence and transience of life, while expressing her hope to return to the 'land of love'. She prays for the safety of her soul and speaks of kisses and breaths, highlighting the intimacy and physical aspect of their relationship.
She speaks of 'Frederick' as the one and how they travel from sun to sun, symbolizing their shared adventures and the time they spend together.
The song ends with her expression of love and care for 'Frederick', who is high up in the clear sky, representing her admiration and devotion to him. The song expresses the many aspects of their relationship, from physical intimacy to spiritual connection, and how her husband 'Frederick' has fulfilled all those dreams and desires.