One of the most recognizable and iconic songs in the history of rock, "Mother of Pearl" by Roxy Music is an incredibly complex song. Throughout the song, Bryan Ferry's lyrics rely on metaphoric phrasing to convey an entirely ambiguous message.
It's a great example of how a band can take you from a wild and wacky party to a sobering reflection on the meaning of love. It's also a classic track that embodies everything that the Roxy Music brand stands for: epic riffs, rocking drums, and wistful vocals from Ferry.
This is probably the best track on the band's 1973 album Stranded. It begins with a ripping guitar riff from Phil Manzanera, Paul Thompson's heavy drums and Bryan Ferry's oozing vocals, and then it quickly devolves into an atmospheric slow groove.
It's a wistful and slow-burning masterpiece that embodies the entire ethos of Roxy Music, which has changed a lot since it was first released. It's not just a standout track for the band, it's a resonant part of rock history and deserves to be included in our list of the best songs you've never heard. So let's dig into the story behind this incredibly complex track and explore its lyrics, which are absolutely incredible. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn about a song just by listening to its lyrics.
