This song isn't even remotely funny. Like most Femmes songs, it is very dark and morbid. It is also my favorite, even beating out classics from their first album like "Kiss Off" and "Add It Up". I agree with the organized crime/mafia interpretation, although I think it could refer to any situation where someone witnesses a crime or knows something they shouldn't and wants to tell, but is pressured to never tell at the expense of perhaps of their own life. This kind of situation can tear someone's conscience to pieces, as the moral dilemma is too much for some people to handle. It could happen anywhere - gangs, dysfunctional/deranged families, etc. In this particular situation the narrator chooses to "stand right up in the heart of hell" rather than tell. It shows they are willing to give up their sanity and possibly their soul to avoid squealing. This can be construed as either a bold and admirable or weak and cowardly decision, depending on your point of view. I also find it extremely ironic that the cheery spiritual "Jesus Walking On the Water" begins to play right after this song on the original album.
This song isn't even remotely funny. Like most Femmes songs, it is very dark and morbid. It is also my favorite, even beating out classics from their first album like "Kiss Off" and "Add It Up". I agree with the organized crime/mafia interpretation, although I think it could refer to any situation where someone witnesses a crime or knows something they shouldn't and wants to tell, but is pressured to never tell at the expense of perhaps of their own life. This kind of situation can tear someone's conscience to pieces, as the moral dilemma is too much for some people to handle. It could happen anywhere - gangs, dysfunctional/deranged families, etc. In this particular situation the narrator chooses to "stand right up in the heart of hell" rather than tell. It shows they are willing to give up their sanity and possibly their soul to avoid squealing. This can be construed as either a bold and admirable or weak and cowardly decision, depending on your point of view. I also find it extremely ironic that the cheery spiritual "Jesus Walking On the Water" begins to play right after this song on the original album.