Lyric discussion by blindfold 

Cover art for Pencil Rain lyrics by They Might Be Giants

The 'Pencil Rain' could be rain lashing down so hard that it feels like sharp 'pencils'. This song reminds me of a Roman legion awaiting orders. They look out for number two: they look out for each other. The splintering wood could be their spears breaking in battle. "And none who have witnessed all Can think of a nobler cause Than perishing in the Pencil Rain." Their undying loyalty.