Since I just realized I posted an interpretation of sorts on the Stevie board, I thought I'd add it here.
I've wondered about Sorcerer forever. I first heard a demo years ago, and came up with a theory.
I thought that Sorcerer might be about selling your soul to the devil, or some dark force, to become a star. It seemed to fit with Stevie’s “dark mysticism” and some of the lyrics kind of fit.
I’m tired, I’m thirsty, I’m wild eyed, in my misery – I thought all of this might be about wanting to be a star, wanting fame, wanting to be on top.
Timeless in your finery - I was thinking of the devil, “timeless” as in “very old” and “finery” as in being seductive with his offer
It’s a high price, for your luxury - Obviously, selling your soul would be a high price for getting all the things you want.
Sorcerer - Another name for a magician, someone with powers.
Who is the Master - In a deal with the Devil, who is really in charge? In the end, all the power goes back to whoever made them the deal. Stevie knows this...Hmmm...maybe she's not asking a question, but making a statement....As in "You are the Sorcerer, who is the master over me..."
A man and woman on a star stream - This is Stevie and Lindsey on the way to stardom.
In the middle of a snow dream - Not sure here. I
believe Stevie has mentioned that Sorcerer is about drugs. A "snow dream" could equal cocaine. I've also toyed with the idea of a snow dream meaning "I've obtained what I've wanted, but everything is hazy, blurry, and not what I expected."
Sorcerer, Show Me the High Life - Here, Stevie has made her decision. “Go ahead…I’ll sell my soul…just show me the way to stardom, fame, and success.”
Come over, let me put you on ice - I'm not sure about this. "Putting something on ice" usually refers to something being held onto until it is needed...you put a bottle of wine on ice...Maybe Stevie is saying, let take your deal and hold onto it??? This is the hardest line for me to interpret.
All around Black ink darkness - Darkness and despair, which would naturally come along with dealing with the underworld.
Who found the lady from the mountain - Again, like yours, this is Stevie, the Sorcerer found her and tempted her.
I’m tired, I need you badly, I’m wild – eyed, In my misery - Again, Stevie really, really wants fame, no matter the price. She’s tired of being miserable and unsuccessful.
In the end, I
do think this song is mainly about drugs. But with Stevie's love of fairy tales and mysticism, I just always thought of a classic "Devil Meets Daniel Webster" kind of deal with this song. Or, maybe it's both.
Is it possible that if it
was about a deal with the devil, sorcery, etc., that Stevie has changed its meaning? Since she is constantly battling those "Stevie is a witch" rumors, she might want to distance herself from a story of someone selling their soul to the devil. (Right...that's all we need now - "Stevie is a Satan worshipper" rumors!
)
Lori has also posted an excellent interpretation on the Stevie board, if someone wants to take a look there...
Mike B