First, I believe that statement by Ian about ’zimbo’ being an African word backwards etc is just cheeky nonsense talk.
I interpreted the lyrics to be about the suicide and cremation of someone beloved by the singer, and his anger, frustration and helplessness about it. I must admit I misheard the words as “turn to brown” but either way they do express an unbearable bleakness, as does the dirge-like melody and the slow pace, as well as the plaintive, despairing quality of the singer’s voice.
First, I believe that statement by Ian about ’zimbo’ being an African word backwards etc is just cheeky nonsense talk. I interpreted the lyrics to be about the suicide and cremation of someone beloved by the singer, and his anger, frustration and helplessness about it. I must admit I misheard the words as “turn to brown” but either way they do express an unbearable bleakness, as does the dirge-like melody and the slow pace, as well as the plaintive, despairing quality of the singer’s voice.