Lyric discussion by tzovas 

Cover art for Without A Trace lyrics by Soul Asylum

doesn't it say "I was out of pace" in the song instead of "place"? Anyway, that's just a detail. Great great song! Funny and clever lyrics.

Dave Pirner might be talking in first person but I think he kinda tells the stories of 3 different people in strange situations. In the end, they feel like leaving the place without a trace. They feel ashamed and guilty and they wish they'd disappear.