4. Juju Woman

Juju Woman

Ethereal is the first word that comes to mind when I hear “Juju Woman.” The lyrics are very difficult to understand; honestly, I had to look them up and I’m still not sure I completely understand.

This is the first song where the end leads into the next track. The outro and intro blend into each other seamlessly. This is a tactic I’ve heard used in many albums, but I still wouldn’t consider it common. It gives a smooth, continuous effect to the song and its meaning. I love the way he accomplishes this, leaving us with what feels like bees buzzing too close to my head – or maybe a motorcycle revving its engine as it passes by on a freeway. The Juju Woman speaks of money making the world go ‘round, leading into the Juju Man on the next track who talks about signing contracts and making a deal. “Money makes the blind man see”; cash is so revered, as if it could cure everything, every ailment and misfortune.

The woman I assume is the speaker tempts us even though we think we may be happy. She has something better, something that will pull us out of the dream we don’t even know we’re living. It has an eerie sort of tone, both lyrically and tonally. This feels almost like a Disney villain who tempts the protagonist with riches and some elusive reward, only to succeed in making the protagonist fall into their trap. The end of the song with the buzzing especially drives this feeling forward, as if we were lulled and seduced into danger and are woken up by the buzzing, warning us, but it’s already too late.

The lyrics seem almost self-aware starting from the very first line, “Dancer, I know you’re happy, I know you’re free.” They already have everything they need to be content, but the voice promises more, promises true happiness. This is an enticing offer to someone attempting to grow and reach new heights. In order to successfully trap someone who is already happy, you must own the fact that you are tempting them with something vague. “But with ambition/ I’ll turn you into royalty”; there’s always space to move up on the food chain. Being happy and free is just the tip of the iceberg. Money is the central tipping point at the end of this song, drawing the subject in just too close. We are entranced and trapped in just 50 seconds.