This is such a complex, beautiful and mysterious song that it's sometimes hard to pin down what the lyrics are about, aside from the fact it focuses on a character named Sharkey. But it's never clearly explained who he is and what the circumstances are. There are many images and references that infer that he may be God (All of nature talks to me...nobody knows my name...I turn around it's love...) Or he could just be the derelict, mentally declining owner of a grocery store with a massive ego and delusions of grandeur. The song has many references to nature, life, evolution, as well technology, capitalism and the state of America. If Sharkey is God he has certainly lost control of his creation and is helplessly/cluelessly watching it lurch towards the abyss. If he's a grocery store owner, he's late for work, passed out on his sofa watching nature films, as his earthly responsiblities drift away from his awareness and control. It's also possible that this song may be about Ronald Reagan who was president when the song was released--but that's just my personal theory.
Whatever the interpretation the song is a masterpiece and deserves much more recognition.
This is such a complex, beautiful and mysterious song that it's sometimes hard to pin down what the lyrics are about, aside from the fact it focuses on a character named Sharkey. But it's never clearly explained who he is and what the circumstances are. There are many images and references that infer that he may be God (All of nature talks to me...nobody knows my name...I turn around it's love...) Or he could just be the derelict, mentally declining owner of a grocery store with a massive ego and delusions of grandeur. The song has many references to nature, life, evolution, as well technology, capitalism and the state of America. If Sharkey is God he has certainly lost control of his creation and is helplessly/cluelessly watching it lurch towards the abyss. If he's a grocery store owner, he's late for work, passed out on his sofa watching nature films, as his earthly responsiblities drift away from his awareness and control. It's also possible that this song may be about Ronald Reagan who was president when the song was released--but that's just my personal theory.
Whatever the interpretation the song is a masterpiece and deserves much more recognition.
@Irishmonk interresting explanation...a masterpiece for sure..to me ..i think this song is all about finding enlightenment..
@Irishmonk interresting explanation...a masterpiece for sure..to me ..i think this song is all about finding enlightenment..