I think the logic of the Lucy / Jessie divide is clear - she says they're hypothetical characters, so it's pretty obvious she's talking about herself; after all the song comes a long time after we've gotten to see Phyllis in action and heard what others have said about her.
I must say, though, my preference is "Ah, But Underneath", a breathtakingly brilliant lyric ("No one dared to query her/ Superior / Exterior" - astonishing!!!) and a frightening vision of a society belle discovering her own choices have resulted in utter spiritual emptiness. It's on the Papermill CD for those who haven't heard it. (Also, on the London CD.) |
