This song is about the end of a long relationship and the bitter realization that it's beyond resuscitation.
Whilst some of the symbolism and allegory escapes me, I do see a recurring pattern of melancholy and nostalgia. The North is a big symbol of the end of something, but not a nice end - a northern end, one filled with coldness, loneliness and forlorn lodges. "The north end of monogamy" - the bitter end of a relationship.
We also see allegories for frustration (screaming for others' hearts), emotional pain (ache inn; drinking) and bitterness over impossible yearnings (...hold the keys to a Cuban flight that you won't ever ride...)
These lyrics are a bit tricky, but still not devoid of meaning to the thinking listener.
This song is about the end of a long relationship and the bitter realization that it's beyond resuscitation. Whilst some of the symbolism and allegory escapes me, I do see a recurring pattern of melancholy and nostalgia. The North is a big symbol of the end of something, but not a nice end - a northern end, one filled with coldness, loneliness and forlorn lodges. "The north end of monogamy" - the bitter end of a relationship. We also see allegories for frustration (screaming for others' hearts), emotional pain (ache inn; drinking) and bitterness over impossible yearnings (...hold the keys to a Cuban flight that you won't ever ride...) These lyrics are a bit tricky, but still not devoid of meaning to the thinking listener.