Lyric discussion by shesh541 

Cover art for Vanity lyrics by Avett Brothers, The

I think this song has a focus on the fact that there is a lack of focus. At least to something of any merit. When the singer says "I have a plan for the day" or "I have a tune I could play" or "I've got love pouring out of my veins," and follows with "but it's all vanity, it's all vanity," they are saying everything I am doing, planning, and dreaming is very superficial.

They most curious line I am unsure of is "call off the guards." Does it refer to our walls we put up to protect ourselves from hurt? "Their heads are chopped off and running in circles," so their focus, or true mission, is off and they can't see what really lies beneath the surface."

This is such an interesting song and I was disappointed to see no comments, so I hope more people take part because it's one of their more deeper, cryptic songs.