The lyrics of this song are beautifully opaque yet the raw emotions behind them are transparent and fluid. It's almost as if the song alludes to something that is too personal to be described openly or in a barefaced manner.
My guess is that this song describes a failing (or recently terminated) relationship and the swirling emotions that result from separating. The reference to "chrome" and "rusting from deep within" while maintaining a shiny veneer seem to describe a person who is inauthentic and always dissembling behind some facade to maintain a certain image. The ghost town reference seems to imply that the singer has realized just how vapid this person really is and the "serious" reference may suggest that this questionable person also is insincere or even insouciant . . .
There also appears to be a hint of disillusionment and self-compromise expressed in the song. "Wanted to like your way. It's hard for me to tell you're wrong," seems to suggest that the singer tried to accommodate, except, and modify his own ways for the other person more than s/he did in return. Over time this sort of dynamic inevitably breeds resentment and even anger. Thus, the singer wants the other person punished, yet does not want to be responsible for the act: "Pray to God. Let him strike you dead. Before I get back--fear my wrath." However, things get more intense, personal, and deliberate: "With a smile, the way to hell with your arms and legs bound. All the way down."
Essentially, this is a beautifully melodic song about the anger that accompanies the death of some relationships, especially relationships in which you lose objectivity. A song about an emotion that may be self-protective--or even justified--yet always is poignant, overpowering, and potentially destructive.
The lyrics of this song are beautifully opaque yet the raw emotions behind them are transparent and fluid. It's almost as if the song alludes to something that is too personal to be described openly or in a barefaced manner.
My guess is that this song describes a failing (or recently terminated) relationship and the swirling emotions that result from separating. The reference to "chrome" and "rusting from deep within" while maintaining a shiny veneer seem to describe a person who is inauthentic and always dissembling behind some facade to maintain a certain image. The ghost town reference seems to imply that the singer has realized just how vapid this person really is and the "serious" reference may suggest that this questionable person also is insincere or even insouciant . . .
There also appears to be a hint of disillusionment and self-compromise expressed in the song. "Wanted to like your way. It's hard for me to tell you're wrong," seems to suggest that the singer tried to accommodate, except, and modify his own ways for the other person more than s/he did in return. Over time this sort of dynamic inevitably breeds resentment and even anger. Thus, the singer wants the other person punished, yet does not want to be responsible for the act: "Pray to God. Let him strike you dead. Before I get back--fear my wrath." However, things get more intense, personal, and deliberate: "With a smile, the way to hell with your arms and legs bound. All the way down."
Essentially, this is a beautifully melodic song about the anger that accompanies the death of some relationships, especially relationships in which you lose objectivity. A song about an emotion that may be self-protective--or even justified--yet always is poignant, overpowering, and potentially destructive.