| Tom Waits – Flash Pan Hunter Lyrics | 3 years ago |
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Like most of the songs in the album/play, this is a commentary on Wilhelm's dilemma; he has struck a deal with the devil (Peg Leg) to become a hunter that never misses, but one day, one of his bullets will be controlled by the devil himself. This has always carried obvious consequences, but his pride/desire ("telescopic meat" leading him to the forest) and pressure to conform and be a proper hunter for his bride has led him to accept a desperate deal that will cost him everything (hence "cutting off his fingers so they'll fit into the glove"). He will another prize for the devil, "Peg Leg's crown", his "slender new branch" on his vast tree of other victims. And as is the case with this entire story, this should be looked at as an analogy for addiction. Many people use drugs or alcohol as a crutch to get through life, but are all too aware of the decline it will inevitably lead them on. The message of this song and play is that if you take a shortcut to happiness through addiction, consequences will one day catch up to you. |
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