A Critical Analysis Of Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible” | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

A Critical Analysis Of Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible”

Some theories surrounding one of the world's greatest songs.

9014
A Critical Analysis Of Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible”
Bob FM

Let’s be honest, nothing sets the mood quite like Robert Palmer’s only notable song. Maybe you only know it for its constant presence in a variety of commercials and or its comically dated music video, but, either way, you’ve probably heard this particular catchy tune in one way or another. If you haven’t, you can hear the song here.


I can’t even remember the first time I heard this iconic piece of music — I probably emerged from the womb being able to hum along to the chorus. For some reason, my subconscious has decided that it’s absolutely necessary to keep the lyrics stored away somewhere in the recesses of my mind, all but forgotten until I hear the first note.

What’s so baffling about “Simply Irresistible,” however, is not its inherent catchiness or the '80s era guitar solo – it’s the way the lyrics verge on not making any sense. The English major inside me is always yearning to get to the bottom of it, and, therefore, below are several theories as to what this classic could possibly meaning.

Theory #1 – Robert Palmer fell in love with someone who was just a genuinely great gal.

The first – and most boring – theory is probably the most believable. Almost every single song in the musical tradition is fueled by the power of love, and maybe “Simply Irresistible” is no different. Lyrics like “How can it be permissible? / She compromise my principle, yeah, yeah / That kind of love is mythical / She's anything but typical.” Make it sounds like maybe Robert is just writing a song about finding that special someone. Unless, of course, we look deeper…

Theory #2 – Robert Palmer was seduced by a siren.

Some of the lyrics don’t suggest love at all; they suggest a “mythical” force that is really seducing Robert Palmer against his will. My theory is that this song is really about a siren’s song confusing the singer and making him “compromise his principle.” Some other lyrics suggest the same thing – when he says “She's a craze you'd endorse, she's a powerful force / You're obliged to conform when there's no other course” or when he claims “She's unavoidable, I'm backed against the wall / She gives me feelings like I never felt before / I'm breaking promises, she's breaking every law.” This would also explain the title – the siren’s song is, in fact, “simply irresistible.” However, one lyric may disprove this …

Theory #3 – This woman got plastic surgery and suddenly Robert Palmer thinks she’s super hot.

A part of the repeated chorus is the lyric, “she's so fine, there's no tellin' where the money went,” something that has confused me since the first time hearing this song. Maybe she’s a rogue thief on the run, but it makes no sense in context. My solution? She’s spent her savings on getting some plastic surgery, and now Robert Palmer simply can’t resist her. This would also explain the line “She used to look good to me, but now I find her simply irresistible,” since she has artificially enhanced her features and now looks better than ever in Palmer’s eyes.

Who knows what this song is really about; the important thing is those horrible outfits they wear in the music video, and its permanent place as one of our favorite jams.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1056
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

637
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199737
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20602
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments