People get a bit far off about the religious stuff. Sure, Elliott used metaphor extensively, but you have to think of all his songs as a translation of some simple event or raw feeling that he experienced.
It's a dirge about pathological behavior, being motivated to the core by control or a need for attention. All very on point.
'Shuffling your deck of trick cards over the heads of everyone' - Not only is he admitting being manipulative, but he's also saying he's a showoff about it. I think maybe his 'deck of trick cards' is his music, his gimmick for attention.
'Like some precious only son' - has about a million valid meanings in this context. Childish behavior. Maybe he grew up with this tendency, being an only son to his mother and father (despite step-siblings). Could mean he makes sure his friends need him, and won't abandon him no matter how childish he acts.
'Look at the cracks in the sidewalk, think about your friends' - the road you've put yourself on is crumbling beneath you, you're walking into oblivion. Soon you'll be disconnected from everyone.
'First mistake, thinking you could relate' In bitterness reflecting that you'd be better off alone, in despair.
People get a bit far off about the religious stuff. Sure, Elliott used metaphor extensively, but you have to think of all his songs as a translation of some simple event or raw feeling that he experienced.
It's a dirge about pathological behavior, being motivated to the core by control or a need for attention. All very on point.
'Shuffling your deck of trick cards over the heads of everyone' - Not only is he admitting being manipulative, but he's also saying he's a showoff about it. I think maybe his 'deck of trick cards' is his music, his gimmick for attention.
'Like some precious only son' - has about a million valid meanings in this context. Childish behavior. Maybe he grew up with this tendency, being an only son to his mother and father (despite step-siblings). Could mean he makes sure his friends need him, and won't abandon him no matter how childish he acts.
'Look at the cracks in the sidewalk, think about your friends' - the road you've put yourself on is crumbling beneath you, you're walking into oblivion. Soon you'll be disconnected from everyone.
'First mistake, thinking you could relate' In bitterness reflecting that you'd be better off alone, in despair.