I suspect that any song interpretation occurs at different levels: literal and metaphorical/allegorical. Part of the reason it is so fun is that the song often takes on a life of its own without regard to the artist's original intent. This song doesn't seem to literally apply to anything except masturbation, but the metaphors used lend themselves to a variety of more expansive interpretations.
I just love the song for the musical quality and the metaphors. I care less about the fact that it may relate to masturbation.
My favorite two metaphors are: pulling weeds from dusty soil and scratching nails on the chalkboard. I have to admit, however, that I misunderstood the chalkboard lyric. My misinterpretation of it made a lot more sense to me! I thought it said "are they scratching their nails on the chalkboards of DEAF." That lyric made more sense to me from a "futility" standpoint because the following phrase about "seeking attention when everyone in the room has left" suggested futility and desperation.
I suspect that any song interpretation occurs at different levels: literal and metaphorical/allegorical. Part of the reason it is so fun is that the song often takes on a life of its own without regard to the artist's original intent. This song doesn't seem to literally apply to anything except masturbation, but the metaphors used lend themselves to a variety of more expansive interpretations.
I just love the song for the musical quality and the metaphors. I care less about the fact that it may relate to masturbation.
My favorite two metaphors are: pulling weeds from dusty soil and scratching nails on the chalkboard. I have to admit, however, that I misunderstood the chalkboard lyric. My misinterpretation of it made a lot more sense to me! I thought it said "are they scratching their nails on the chalkboards of DEAF." That lyric made more sense to me from a "futility" standpoint because the following phrase about "seeking attention when everyone in the room has left" suggested futility and desperation.