Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite at :17 Lyrics

Lyric discussion by TinyDancer1 

Cover art for Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite at :17 lyrics by Pavement

Lies and betrayals Fruit-covered nails Electricity and lust Won't break the door Lies and betrayals, (sweet covered back stabbing) electricity or even lust wont change this. Things are listed here that won't change how he feels.

  I've got a heavy coat
  It's filled with rocks and sand

Others touched on this nicely. I'd agree it represents depression, or being 'weighed down'. next he says what he wants, and what he thinks will help.

In the chorus he talks about what he will do if he comes out of it. To me 'A system for two' sounds like an offer for a relationship.

  Ex-magician
  That still knows the tricks
  Tricks are everything to me
  Until it's free

he holds this person in high regard because he is mystified by their 'tricks', and that mystery is important to him. He realizes that once that's gone, though, his interest will fade. maybe that makes him sad? He could also be referring to himself and his own tricks here, it's kind of up to your interpretation.

  I've got a trigger cut
  And I can't pull it back

The wording here is a little confusing at first, but i see it as saying, "What's done is done. there's no going back for me." this leads nicely into the next part...

  But if I learn how...
  etc.

this sounds like wishful thinking to me. He knows he's doomed maybe, but he's still going to speak like there's a chance.

Then the chorus changes with this: You will look at me and say (I've got a system for two) That you just wish I went away Her idea of a 'system for two' is him going away. Poor guy.

  I learned the truth
  The truth of the words
  Truth I made for you because
  It's just as good

Have you ever lied to someone you liked to gain a common ground with them? Not like a whole lie, where you state the opposite of what you believe, but saying you really like Star Wars because they love Star Wars. Really though, you're pretty indifferent about it. But that little 'lie' gives you common ground. I only say lie because it contrasts 'truth in this verse. The 'truth I made for you' is that lie, or really, that half-truth. To him that should be just as good to her.

That's kind of another flaw he has, he's not 'true to himself'. Corny, I know, but that's how he feels, inadequate, and weighed down. It's depressing not being able to connect with someone you want to connect with, and then more so to be rejected by them.

  And if I spit it out
  Before I chew the ring
  I'll rearrange it till it 
  Looks just right today 

First line: If he changes this Half-truth behavior, this trickery(?). When he changes who he is, to who he needs to be, or who he thinks he needs to be... Second line: Chew the ring = call off the idea of marriage/relationship. If he can stop himself and fix this before he gives up on his hopes altogether, then... Third/Fourth line: He'll work on himself and rearrange what needs to be rearranged until it looks just right.

This is one of my favorite songs. It's very poetic to me, and manages to say very much with very few words.

My Interpretation

Man, are you a fuckin' psychoanalyst? That's really great!