I think this is an open rejection of religion by The Shins. I feel like the "texts" might be referring to scripture, and maybe even the "nursery rhymes" have two meanings. The way the song shifts moods makes me feel like he's saying that "Mercy" (or religion) can be very comforting and can make you feel warm, but he'd rather not give into that, so he has to step into the night (the dark) where answers aren't so evident or picture perfect. Could be wrong, but that's my take on it.
I think this is an open rejection of religion by The Shins. I feel like the "texts" might be referring to scripture, and maybe even the "nursery rhymes" have two meanings. The way the song shifts moods makes me feel like he's saying that "Mercy" (or religion) can be very comforting and can make you feel warm, but he'd rather not give into that, so he has to step into the night (the dark) where answers aren't so evident or picture perfect. Could be wrong, but that's my take on it.