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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Old Pine Box" by the artist "They Might Be Giants"

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"Old Pine Box" by They Might Be Giants depicts a person in a state of extreme mental distress, possibly experiencing psychosis. The lyrics are full of metaphors describing their erratic behavior and the desperation of those around them.

"Old Pine Box" itself is a metaphor for a coffin, hinting at hopelessness and a potentially tragic end. "Head full of sawdust" indicates confusion and inability to think rationally. The comparison to a "cracked flower pot" emphasizes the fragility of the character's mental state.

Lines about handcuffs, electroshock therapy, pulling a fire alarm, and fighting a cop are all manifestations of their erratic behavior, attempts to break free from a situation they can't control.

Phrases like "called your family – they didn't want to come, called your fan club – they all moved away" speak to utter loneliness and lack of support. The abandoned car and unresolved issues symbolize a life falling apart.

The imagery of "the falls" and a "barrel breaking" is a metaphor for losing control and inevitably plunging into the abyss of madness.

The repetition of the verses about handcuffs, electroshock, etc., at the end of the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of what's happening, the hopelessness and inevitability of the situation.

They tried the handcuffs but they won't lock

Electrical courses but they won't shock

You pulled the fire alarm

You tried punching a cop

You're just too tired to stop

You old pine box

You old pine box

With your head full of rocks

Sharp like a cracked flowerpot

You old paper hat

On your skull full of bats

There's no percentage in that

They called relations but they declined

They called the fan club but they'd resigned

Left your car in a field

And some questions behind

Your mom thinks you're out of your mind

Over the falls and into the drink

The barrel breaks and we slowly sink

They tried the handcuffs but they won't lock

Electrical courses but they won't shock

You pulled the fire alarm

You tried punching a cop

You're just too tired to stop

Old pine box

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