Lyric discussion by a345jkl 

Cover art for Old College Try lyrics by Mountain Goats, The

"In the way those eyes I've always loved illuminate this place Like a trashcan fire in a prison cell Like the searchlights in the parking lots of hell"

I cannot imagine a better simile existing. Ever. Each time I hear this song, that line makes me stop short. Beautiful.

Anyway, this song is sad. But so, so hopeful. It's about a couple that's falling apart but determined to stay together. They love each other but can't help fighting constantly because they're both so messed up. Yet they love each other.