Lyric discussion by Cossette729 

Cover art for Magpie lyrics by Mountain Goats, The

Like most of the songs on this album, it reminds me of when I was a teenager living with an abusive stepfather. My mom, brother, and I would take any chance to do things together, just the three of us, without him. We savored those hours. And then he would come home, and we'd all freeze up, hoping not to do anything to set him off. But those times when it was just us, that was something worth saving.

As tragic as your life sounds like it's been I think you're right. Don't people normally drink at night which could explain the "work all night if you have to" line, The step dad would be out and it's the only time they could be together, but when he comes back he takes control and they're put down on all fours (Completely under his abusive control). "When the cherry ripens" is maybe when he's old enough to leave the house? I know that's the basic point of "this year", also from that album