Lyric discussion by likesoradical 

Cover art for Bridges, Squares lyrics by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

boston...

It's about 9/11.

The first verse is about Boston - Kendall Square, crossing the Charles River on a new bridge, looking at the same Boston skyline - the "view was old, the bridge was new".

The last verse is about NYC/NJ on 9/11 - now he mentions the Passaic, and while the bridge is old, the view of Manhattan is sadly new.

The remainder of the lyrics are Ted's reflection on 9/11 - (from that point where I did stand / I wondered at the Builder's plan / I wondered how this walk will end) -- what caused the...