I agree that it's about a window washer, but I don't think he's suicidal (or depressed) at all. If he were, he wouldn't be afraid of falling, and there are a lot of lines that indicate that he is.
I also think maybe there's a metaphorical aspect to the song, about the uncertainty and danger of non-traditional career choices (ie, musician), versus the men in the boardroom. Some choices may be less secure, with the danger of falling/failing, but at least in that case you're happy. I believe the narrator IS happy, and that's a contrast to the boardroom people who want to die. ("They're frightened of jumping, in case they survive.")
Whatever. You've got to respect any band that can successfully allude to the rate of acceleration due to gravity in a song. :)
I agree that it's about a window washer, but I don't think he's suicidal (or depressed) at all. If he were, he wouldn't be afraid of falling, and there are a lot of lines that indicate that he is.
I also think maybe there's a metaphorical aspect to the song, about the uncertainty and danger of non-traditional career choices (ie, musician), versus the men in the boardroom. Some choices may be less secure, with the danger of falling/failing, but at least in that case you're happy. I believe the narrator IS happy, and that's a contrast to the boardroom people who want to die. ("They're frightened of jumping, in case they survive.")
Whatever. You've got to respect any band that can successfully allude to the rate of acceleration due to gravity in a song. :)