I believe this song is about the ego... The identity everyone has created from their environment, rather than their true self.
From this theory, I can say that the lyrics are narrated by a person who knows of this ego in others, and tells the listener about this ego, this mask, and how to identify it. Of course, the narrator herself is affected by this natural facade, and attempts to come to terms with it.
A "Civil Disguise" itself could be thought of as one's way of conducting themselves among other individuals to achieve what they wish to do with the face they've put on, but is not who the person truly is; it is a disguise.
I believe this song is about the ego... The identity everyone has created from their environment, rather than their true self.
From this theory, I can say that the lyrics are narrated by a person who knows of this ego in others, and tells the listener about this ego, this mask, and how to identify it. Of course, the narrator herself is affected by this natural facade, and attempts to come to terms with it.
A "Civil Disguise" itself could be thought of as one's way of conducting themselves among other individuals to achieve what they wish to do with the face they've put on, but is not who the person truly is; it is a disguise.