Lyric discussion by carser 

Cover art for Dead lyrics by They Might Be Giants

when I first heard this song I wasnt paying attention too well and I heard the head cutting off bit first which makes it sound like hes being killed and used as a food product. mmm, soylent green.

What do you think about the bit "I'll never see myself in the mirror with my eyes closed"? Maybe he has no concept of what he should be/do? kinda like how you fell just after highschool.

I wonder if theres any specific signifigance to the enslaving the younger brother thing? or if its just an example of a general regret?

and I'd have to agree with t4r, lots of artists have said that to avoid things like controversy, or debte, or maybe they just didnt want to explain it. could be lots of reasons for saying that besides it being true.