I quite like this song by the Tallest Man on Earth. I normally don’t analyze songs like this, but the lyrics intrigued me so much and I listened to it so many times it just happened. I decided it is a song about paranoia, murder, and how that’s just what you gotta do sometimes.
Lyrics
My interpretation
I sense a runner in the garden
A new guy is in the picture, very close (garden = backyard)
Although my judgments known to fail
Admits from the start he’s prone to bad judgment
Once built a steamboat in a meadow
He does crazy shit sometimes
‘Cause I’d forgotten how to sail
And rationalizes it easily
I know the runner’s going to tell you
Paranoia creeps in
There ain’t no cowboy in my hair
This new guy is going to sabotage him
So now he’s buried by the daisies
MURDER
So I could stay the tallest man in your eyes, babe
Problem solved…
I sense a spy up in the chimney
Immediately, a new guy in the picture again
From all the evidence I’ve burned
Paranoia creeps in
I guess he’ll read it in the smoke now
A bit of guilt
And soon to ashes I’ll return
Could be the end of him
I know the spy is going to tell you
Paranoia
It’s not my flag up in the pole
Sabotage
So now he’s buried by the lilies
MURDER
So I could stay forever more in your eyes, babe
Problem solved…
I sense a leak inside my phone now
Worst paranoia of all: “big brother”
From all the lies I have told
Some awareness he is flawed…
I know he has your private number
But still very paranoid
And soon he’ll make that vicious call
Sabotage
I know the leak is going to tell you
Paranoia
There ain’t now puppy in your leash
Sabotage
So now he’ll fertilize the roses
MURDER
So I could stay the king you see in your eyes, babe
Problem solved…
And now we’re dancing through the garden
Happiness has returned
And what a garden I have made
Awareness of past activities
And now that death will grow my jasmine
I find it soothing I’m afraid
He’s proud of it
Now there is no need for suspicion
Interesting double-play on suspicion. Who should be suspicious, him or her?