Dark Lady

Cher's 'Dark Lady' is a narrative ballad that tells the story of a woman who visits a fortune teller, the eponymous Dark Lady, only to discover a haunting truth about her own life. The song opens with a vivid description of the fortune teller, painting her as a mysterious and wealthy character who has gained her riches through the fortunes she tells. The imagery of her brushing her cat in a black limousine sets a tone of opulence mixed with an air of the occult.

The chorus of the song describes the Dark Lady's ritualistic dance as she lights candles and plays gypsy music, creating an atmosphere of enchantment. The fortune teller's ability to reveal deep truths about the protagonist's life, truths that are more intimate than what the protagonist knows about herself, suggests a supernatural insight. However, the fortune comes with a dire warning about the protagonist's lover's infidelity, which is a classic trope in storytelling where a prophecy leads to an unexpected outcome.

The song culminates in a twist of fate when the protagonist discovers her lover with the Dark Lady, leading to a tragic ending. The scent of the fortune teller's perfume in the protagonist's own room is a clue that ties the narrative together, indicating the close relationship between the lover and the Dark Lady. The song's conclusion, with the protagonist taking violent action against the cheating pair, leaves the listener with a chilling resolution and a reflection on the consequences of jealousy and betrayal.