this is kind of "left field interpretation" but my friends and i always linked this in with Twin Peaks.
it's a well known fact that Tom and the band were fans of the show ("The Great Went" is a direct reference etc.)
the song refers to Windham Earle, the man who stabbed his partner/best friend, Agent Cooper's, wife
cooper is the one who "steps up sits at his table" becoming the golden boy of the FBI upon Earle's departure.
on a side note in the mid 90's in new york phish performed this and instead of ending with the laughter they vamped into one of the Julee Cruise songs featured in Twin Peaks... coincidence?
this is kind of "left field interpretation" but my friends and i always linked this in with Twin Peaks.
it's a well known fact that Tom and the band were fans of the show ("The Great Went" is a direct reference etc.)
the song refers to Windham Earle, the man who stabbed his partner/best friend, Agent Cooper's, wife
cooper is the one who "steps up sits at his table" becoming the golden boy of the FBI upon Earle's departure.
on a side note in the mid 90's in new york phish performed this and instead of ending with the laughter they vamped into one of the Julee Cruise songs featured in Twin Peaks... coincidence?