Polly Screw My Head Back On

Song Meaning

The speaker addresses Polly, a figure described with striking contrasts: she possesses "angel wings so fair" yet has a "Black Kilometrico in your hair." This immediate juxtaposition sets up a portrait of someone both ethereal and grounded, perhaps even a little edgy. The speaker's plea, "Polly, screw my head back on," hints at a profound emotional disarray that only she can resolve. These lyrics reveal a speaker whose emotional state is volatile, feeling their "heart to space and back again." Polly, however, seems to possess a remarkable emotional control. She "don't hit, you use your words" to hurt, and later, "you keep your cool" to please. This suggests a person of immense power and wisdom, capable of wielding her influence precisely, whether for harm or good, which leaves the speaker in awe, wondering, "How'd you get so goddamn wise?" The central metaphor of needing one's "head back on" vividly captures a feeling of being unmoored or overwhelmed. It's a raw, almost childlike request for reassembly, grounding the speaker's cosmic emotional journey. The image of a "silver lining 'round the airplane" further complicates this; it's a hopeful detail amidst the chaos of a heart being hurled through space, suggesting that even in the most turbulent moments, Polly's presence offers a glimmer of perspective or safety. The bridge marks a crucial shift, moving from a relationship "hanging on by a thread" to one "holding on to this good, good feeling." This progression suggests that Polly isn't just a savior in crisis, but a consistent source of emotional equilibrium. The repeated plea in the final chorus then feels less like a desperate cry for help and more like an acknowledgment of Polly's ongoing, essential role in maintaining the speaker's mental and emotional stability, even when things are good.