I too thought this song was about a lover who strayed and the narrator expresses first worry for the well being of the lover, then realizes the lover is but another wolf. The lover became just another cheater, becoming bored or not helping themselves to stray with others. It fits experiences I've had as well as friends I know. But on closer examination I noticed that they were in separate tents. And he doesn't really refer to the could be lover in terms that show his affection in a lover sort of way. That was my main question. In today's society it would be too odd for a couple to sleep in different tents. He would have noticed the other person gone before first leaving the tent he was in.
Once reading the other comments, and knowing the allusion Slugg makes by them being separated in tents, I accepted Slugg was referring to a close friend who had strayed down a dark path. If Slugg followed, he would become a wolf also. This song uses great symbolism. I like the nebulous nature and the mood he sets for the listener. If the listener listens carefully enough, they could figure it was not about a lover. Although this is hard when the bias of past experience influences the ear to hear what it wants. I can relate to it either way and it could be interpreted how ever the listener wants. Meaning is subjective especially to this song.
I too thought this song was about a lover who strayed and the narrator expresses first worry for the well being of the lover, then realizes the lover is but another wolf. The lover became just another cheater, becoming bored or not helping themselves to stray with others. It fits experiences I've had as well as friends I know. But on closer examination I noticed that they were in separate tents. And he doesn't really refer to the could be lover in terms that show his affection in a lover sort of way. That was my main question. In today's society it would be too odd for a couple to sleep in different tents. He would have noticed the other person gone before first leaving the tent he was in.
Once reading the other comments, and knowing the allusion Slugg makes by them being separated in tents, I accepted Slugg was referring to a close friend who had strayed down a dark path. If Slugg followed, he would become a wolf also. This song uses great symbolism. I like the nebulous nature and the mood he sets for the listener. If the listener listens carefully enough, they could figure it was not about a lover. Although this is hard when the bias of past experience influences the ear to hear what it wants. I can relate to it either way and it could be interpreted how ever the listener wants. Meaning is subjective especially to this song.