Wicked Campaign Lyrics

Lyric discussion by CarbineerKenny 

Cover art for Wicked Campaign lyrics by Modest Mouse

Well I just found the fence where I am going to lean Take my handkerchief out and rub my eyeglasses clean So I just learned my face, but I forgot my name I'm gonna wear this smile like it's some stupid toupee And say, "Oh, oh, oh, oh, that's too bad"

His personality is disrupted; he lies to himself.

Oh, I just learned your face, but it is bound to change You can say what you want but try to think it my way And say, "Oh, oh, oh, this wicked campaign" I said, "Oh, oh, oh, this was not my plan"

He can project himself on to someone else. He suggests they abolish responsibility for their actions.

Well, you know I'm a bastard and we only just met I guess I probably shouldn't wear this big old sign 'round my neck I've still got some opinions that I'm willing to claim I'm gonna carry them around like they're some wicked campaign

He's a bad person without apologizing.

I started the debate, but now I'm sure I can't win I should probably just exit the same way I came in Well counted calculator, you didn't calculate this But there's a lot more nothing than you knew exists

This debate doesn't matter. You think arguing with me has a point, but I am empty on the inside.

Well, I just found the fence where I am going to lean Take my handkerchief out and rub my eyeglasses clean

And just wait And just wait and wait, wait, wait

I'm not dead but I misplaced the will I'm gonna wear this smile like it's a hundred dollar bill And just wait, wait, wait Wait, wait, wait, wait

I think he's painting himself as a predator, one who doesn't even have to pay any real expense. (So, not like a lion or something admirable.)

I'm not a doctor, but I'll sell you an itch I could apologize, but then a bit more nothing exists So the worlds got plenty of good and bad liars But our lies should come with chariots and choirs

Singing, "Oh, oh, oh, things are not so bad" And we sing, "Oh, oh, oh, it's our wicked campaign" And they sing, "Oh, oh, oh, things are not so bad" We sing, "Oh, oh, oh, what a wicked campaign"

He's saying the successful people are not the bad guys. Lies are medication and with totally honest people you would be in more pain.

My Interpretation