Lyric discussion by anandananda 

Cover art for Phantom Other lyrics by Department of Eagles

Dan talks about this song in a 2008 interview for the nytimes:

About Ed Droste: "“I was very unhappy for about a year in the band, especially with him,” Mr. Rossen said. “There was a time when we really didn’t get along very well, which did encourage, in some ways, going in this direction and doing this record."

On Phantom Other: "“I really don’t want people to hear that song and think that it’s me being aggressive toward Ed, because I don’t feel that way at all anymore, and we’re actually very close.”"

Song Meaning