This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
On parole since the age of eighteen
Made his mark on society
Found him in the wrong territory
He was left for dead
Used to be such a precious young thing
But got caught up in some mixed up things
Took a bullet to the head
Now he's left for dead
Dreams were set for momma's pride and joy
Don't forget daddy's little boy
Now, look and see know what you've done
Now, you're left for dead
She was raised on a country farm
Not with needles in her arms
She lived to fast and died too young
She was left for dead
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I think this song just basicly means, you get caught up insomething that you thought would get you friends or somewhere in life but now your struggling and your basicly "left for dead" by far my fav VGS song