It is definitely mostly about having mixed feelings after having sex ("shifting skin") about maybe having a baby (which will "climb inside us, twist and cry") and thinking about how it will grow up but eventually die like everything else. The Shins have a very existential streak in most of their lyrics which I guess could be considered kind of depressing, but if you feel the same way, that is probably why you love The Shins (in addition to their fantastic melodic music and interesting lyrics). Other than the mixed feelings about babies, I think there is a sad feeling because even though his girlfriend is beautiful he doesn't understand her because she is "still prone to care" unlike him who has come to terms with the fact that nothing matters and everthing dies eventually (even though he is still slightly mystified by the cycle of life - the whole last verse). Very philosophical and much more complex lyrics than 99% of bands out there.
Very nice comments by houseofjess.
It is definitely mostly about having mixed feelings after having sex ("shifting skin") about maybe having a baby (which will "climb inside us, twist and cry") and thinking about how it will grow up but eventually die like everything else. The Shins have a very existential streak in most of their lyrics which I guess could be considered kind of depressing, but if you feel the same way, that is probably why you love The Shins (in addition to their fantastic melodic music and interesting lyrics). Other than the mixed feelings about babies, I think there is a sad feeling because even though his girlfriend is beautiful he doesn't understand her because she is "still prone to care" unlike him who has come to terms with the fact that nothing matters and everthing dies eventually (even though he is still slightly mystified by the cycle of life - the whole last verse). Very philosophical and much more complex lyrics than 99% of bands out there.
The Shins are amazing!