First - as represented by the first two verses - the two characters (Cain and Billy) have done something wrong. They then try and rationalise their actions by "giving it a name" to make them feel better. For example, Billy tells his wife that he would not have hit her if she had not criticised him. By rationalising his actions in this way, he is able to pass the blame, and therefore deal with the shame.
Second - represented by the final verse - really gets at the idea that humans are a product of our environment. If your experience is observing people that pass the blame then it is likely that you too will go through life passing the blame. Which is poisioness.
To me, two themes come through in this song.
First - as represented by the first two verses - the two characters (Cain and Billy) have done something wrong. They then try and rationalise their actions by "giving it a name" to make them feel better. For example, Billy tells his wife that he would not have hit her if she had not criticised him. By rationalising his actions in this way, he is able to pass the blame, and therefore deal with the shame.
Second - represented by the final verse - really gets at the idea that humans are a product of our environment. If your experience is observing people that pass the blame then it is likely that you too will go through life passing the blame. Which is poisioness.
Great song!