The Painted Desert Lyrics

Lyric discussion by SuperRadDad 

Cover art for The Painted Desert lyrics by 10,000 Maniacs

Some interpretive meaning lies within the context of the song's lyrics. The references to Hopi culture and the phrase, "...and his mother called him home, where the Arizona moon met the Arizona sun" refer to the matrilineal society of the culturally secretive Hopi. In Hopi mythology, the Hopi traditionally saw the goddess Spider Woman as their creator, "Grandmother of the sun and as the great Medicine Power who sang the people into this fourth world we live in now.”

Inferences can made from that aspect.

The constant queries into the disintegrating status of friendship/love is the call for assurance and comfort. Arizona moon expectantly intends to meet with the Arizona sun to reaffirm the connection now lost and in ruination.

My Interpretation