I see this song as using animal evolution as an extended metaphor for the process of an individual trying to grow as a person. This could be from after a break up in which they were told they weren't good enough, a situation in childhood where they were bullied and are now trying to return stronger ('I could be the whale that takes them all'), or a personal life decision to stop being the way you are.
They seem desperate in the way they evolve, to prove others (or themselves) wrong, or return to their ex lover ('And why you never call back?')
Though they keep trying, they have failed several times or in the end will fail ('a tiny little fish egg is homeless and boneless and drifting along, just jelly in the blackness')
Ultimately, the ideal self they are trying to be is unrealistic and unachievable ('A pterodactyl god')
-"Another slightly ridiculous, preposterous ideal. I wanted it to sound like a little boy’s idea of ‘something cool’." (Everything Everything's analysis of their own lyrics, http://genius.com/rictus_grin )
Amazing song, particularly love the image of 'a cherub in the ashtray'. This band write lyrics brilliantly
I see this song as using animal evolution as an extended metaphor for the process of an individual trying to grow as a person. This could be from after a break up in which they were told they weren't good enough, a situation in childhood where they were bullied and are now trying to return stronger ('I could be the whale that takes them all'), or a personal life decision to stop being the way you are. They seem desperate in the way they evolve, to prove others (or themselves) wrong, or return to their ex lover ('And why you never call back?') Though they keep trying, they have failed several times or in the end will fail ('a tiny little fish egg is homeless and boneless and drifting along, just jelly in the blackness') Ultimately, the ideal self they are trying to be is unrealistic and unachievable ('A pterodactyl god') -"Another slightly ridiculous, preposterous ideal. I wanted it to sound like a little boy’s idea of ‘something cool’." (Everything Everything's analysis of their own lyrics, http://genius.com/rictus_grin )
Amazing song, particularly love the image of 'a cherub in the ashtray'. This band write lyrics brilliantly