Lyric discussion by balalín 

Cover art for Lives lyrics by Modest Mouse

theprynce is right about how literal that quote is. his mom, like mine, is 'a witch' because she celebrates the goddess rather than the god, it's almost an explanatory note to his statement.

my favorite part of this song is 'if i had a nickel for every damn dime i'd have half the time, do you mind?' it reminds me of a joke proof that my friend did in physics about time being equal to money. and i guess that's part of the message of the song, right? we're so preoccupied with the details of the world, including money, perhaps, and other things material, we forget to live...although, if you believe in reincarnation or you are one who will have but one life, you still agree that you, as a sum of your experiences, are alive for the first and last time.

i just...well, i realize that i ramble quite a bit, but i effing love this song.