Lots of Darnielle's songs are extended metaphors for his own struggles, or human struggles in general. To me, this is a song about the moment you realize that you need to be selfish in order to save your own life. "Drive the wedge, torch the bridge, I don't want to die in here." Could be mental illness, substance issues, relationship problems--it's about the moment when you're willing to sacrifice everything to avoid sacrificing yourself.
Lots of Darnielle's songs are extended metaphors for his own struggles, or human struggles in general. To me, this is a song about the moment you realize that you need to be selfish in order to save your own life. "Drive the wedge, torch the bridge, I don't want to die in here." Could be mental illness, substance issues, relationship problems--it's about the moment when you're willing to sacrifice everything to avoid sacrificing yourself.