Since the way the song was made doesn't lend itself to a coherent background story, I generally hear only the sentiment: Of being someone oppressed by the environment and dominant culture, and being pushed this way and that by the need for self expression, in response. The opening verse sort of sets the tone. Its about a person who uses other people's walls for their art. This causes them serious anxiety, but not enough to stop them once the need kicks in. When that happens they change from a small animal hiding and consoling itself, to a fearless hunter of sorts, though never "top of the food chain" so to speak. The other verses go on to explain the extremes of their personality, how they try to stay balanced, and the frustrations of their work being misunderstood and appropriated, with the result that they remain outside of the society around them. Begrudgingly, as yet another consolation to an unchangeable situation, they say that having everything stacked against them turns out their best work. I don't think they believe it, but it pushes them forward at least.
Since the way the song was made doesn't lend itself to a coherent background story, I generally hear only the sentiment: Of being someone oppressed by the environment and dominant culture, and being pushed this way and that by the need for self expression, in response. The opening verse sort of sets the tone. Its about a person who uses other people's walls for their art. This causes them serious anxiety, but not enough to stop them once the need kicks in. When that happens they change from a small animal hiding and consoling itself, to a fearless hunter of sorts, though never "top of the food chain" so to speak. The other verses go on to explain the extremes of their personality, how they try to stay balanced, and the frustrations of their work being misunderstood and appropriated, with the result that they remain outside of the society around them. Begrudgingly, as yet another consolation to an unchangeable situation, they say that having everything stacked against them turns out their best work. I don't think they believe it, but it pushes them forward at least.