I'm not sure if I'm anywhere near correct but I chose to view the concept of 'the geek' in a historical context. By this I mean the carnival freak show type that bit the head off of animals such as, wait for it, swans.
I believe that the swan itself is used as a symbolic gesture of mateship and purity and of course a type of perfectionist view of love. The idea of an individual gnashing teeth and ruthlessly tearing off its head may be a consideration that someone viciously cut ties with little aforethought and now there are deep regrets. Its a reference back to the first verse "Leave your home, change your name". A person can undergo these transformations but the superficiality of them doesn't necessarily erase the actions undertaken in the heat of the moment.
The geek did such things continually and for profit and notoriety. Let's consider it as habitual. The lyricist in this case may have very well learned from his mistakes and is now undertaking a role to educate the geeks who have managed to mask their chewing up and spitting out of an ideal love, in defence of their pride.
This is a lovely interpretation, houdinisgoat. It doesn't all fit with my read, but it is very evocative.
This is a lovely interpretation, houdinisgoat. It doesn't all fit with my read, but it is very evocative.
Ever read the book 'Geek Love'? You ought to.
Ever read the book 'Geek Love'? You ought to.
My sense of this song, and of the album more broadly, is that the narrator is working through a prolonged and heartbroken mourning. He is in the act of losing - more or less voluntarily - a part of himself. He is mourning the loss of that very "heat of the moment" you refer to. He has now become staid, and in doing so feels he has given an essential part of himself...
My sense of this song, and of the album more broadly, is that the narrator is working through a prolonged and heartbroken mourning. He is in the act of losing - more or less voluntarily - a part of himself. He is mourning the loss of that very "heat of the moment" you refer to. He has now become staid, and in doing so feels he has given an essential part of himself away (to family, relationship, domesticity, could be anything). Now he neither has the strength to walk away from what he feels to be his stifling fate and reclaim this sacrificed part of himself, nor the devotion and clarity in his heart to let go of what he can no longer have.
Though he's torn, and even tortured about it, it seems to me that he will remain static, and simply remain in place, letting the waters rise around him and reaching no distinct resolution. He slips into living a life he has only half-chosen, and only half gives himself to.
I know this interpretation is not 'right,' it's just what feels right for me. Anyways, thanks again for your thought-provoking post.
@houdinisgoat Thank you houdinisgoat and CircleCliffs for making the effort to share your insight. CircleCliffs I share your interpretation of the album and the song. And maybe that's why I feel a sense of healing, I can relate to it. Life sucks sometimes but I want to be thankful for the lessons and happiness I've been given. Also thanks for recommending "Geek Love" Sadly I just read by coincidence, the author passed away only three days ago.
@houdinisgoat Thank you houdinisgoat and CircleCliffs for making the effort to share your insight. CircleCliffs I share your interpretation of the album and the song. And maybe that's why I feel a sense of healing, I can relate to it. Life sucks sometimes but I want to be thankful for the lessons and happiness I've been given. Also thanks for recommending "Geek Love" Sadly I just read by coincidence, the author passed away only three days ago.
I'm not sure if I'm anywhere near correct but I chose to view the concept of 'the geek' in a historical context. By this I mean the carnival freak show type that bit the head off of animals such as, wait for it, swans.
I believe that the swan itself is used as a symbolic gesture of mateship and purity and of course a type of perfectionist view of love. The idea of an individual gnashing teeth and ruthlessly tearing off its head may be a consideration that someone viciously cut ties with little aforethought and now there are deep regrets. Its a reference back to the first verse "Leave your home, change your name". A person can undergo these transformations but the superficiality of them doesn't necessarily erase the actions undertaken in the heat of the moment.
The geek did such things continually and for profit and notoriety. Let's consider it as habitual. The lyricist in this case may have very well learned from his mistakes and is now undertaking a role to educate the geeks who have managed to mask their chewing up and spitting out of an ideal love, in defence of their pride.
This is a lovely interpretation, houdinisgoat. It doesn't all fit with my read, but it is very evocative.
This is a lovely interpretation, houdinisgoat. It doesn't all fit with my read, but it is very evocative.
Ever read the book 'Geek Love'? You ought to.
Ever read the book 'Geek Love'? You ought to.
My sense of this song, and of the album more broadly, is that the narrator is working through a prolonged and heartbroken mourning. He is in the act of losing - more or less voluntarily - a part of himself. He is mourning the loss of that very "heat of the moment" you refer to. He has now become staid, and in doing so feels he has given an essential part of himself...
My sense of this song, and of the album more broadly, is that the narrator is working through a prolonged and heartbroken mourning. He is in the act of losing - more or less voluntarily - a part of himself. He is mourning the loss of that very "heat of the moment" you refer to. He has now become staid, and in doing so feels he has given an essential part of himself away (to family, relationship, domesticity, could be anything). Now he neither has the strength to walk away from what he feels to be his stifling fate and reclaim this sacrificed part of himself, nor the devotion and clarity in his heart to let go of what he can no longer have.
Though he's torn, and even tortured about it, it seems to me that he will remain static, and simply remain in place, letting the waters rise around him and reaching no distinct resolution. He slips into living a life he has only half-chosen, and only half gives himself to.
I know this interpretation is not 'right,' it's just what feels right for me. Anyways, thanks again for your thought-provoking post.
@houdinisgoat Thank you houdinisgoat and CircleCliffs for making the effort to share your insight. CircleCliffs I share your interpretation of the album and the song. And maybe that's why I feel a sense of healing, I can relate to it. Life sucks sometimes but I want to be thankful for the lessons and happiness I've been given. Also thanks for recommending "Geek Love" Sadly I just read by coincidence, the author passed away only three days ago.
@houdinisgoat Thank you houdinisgoat and CircleCliffs for making the effort to share your insight. CircleCliffs I share your interpretation of the album and the song. And maybe that's why I feel a sense of healing, I can relate to it. Life sucks sometimes but I want to be thankful for the lessons and happiness I've been given. Also thanks for recommending "Geek Love" Sadly I just read by coincidence, the author passed away only three days ago.