While Black Francis sings songs from a literal standpoint I also think he's been getting much more metaphorical lately. This song is no different. It details the story of St. Denis, a cepholaphore beheaded by pagans who was still able to walk with his head in hand preaching the word.
I see it as a direct metaphor to the bands current state. They feel especially after the lukewarm reviews of Indie Cindy and the departure of Kim deal that "they are going down the drain again." Yet they are still preaching rock and roll as they go out in style.
While Black Francis sings songs from a literal standpoint I also think he's been getting much more metaphorical lately. This song is no different. It details the story of St. Denis, a cepholaphore beheaded by pagans who was still able to walk with his head in hand preaching the word.
I see it as a direct metaphor to the bands current state. They feel especially after the lukewarm reviews of Indie Cindy and the departure of Kim deal that "they are going down the drain again." Yet they are still preaching rock and roll as they go out in style.