Mortician

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with a relationship where their profession, that of a mortician, is a source of friction. Their partner seems to view the job as indicative of indecisiveness, a perception the narrator disputes yet struggles to definitively refute. This internal conflict is mirrored in the recurring imagery of potential danger and the need for protective measures, like signing forms before swimming or holding hands during a medical procedure. The lyrics suggest a dynamic where the narrator feels judged, their life’s work a “farce” in their partner’s eyes. The central tension lies in the narrator’s attempt to reconcile their partner’s critical view with their own perspective on life and death. While the partner is characterized as someone who can “laugh in sorrow,” the narrator asserts a similar capacity, even as a mortician. This isn't about morbid humor, but a refusal to be consumed by grief or regret, a conscious choice to “not wallow” and to avoid romanticizing the past. The repeated phrase “So do I” becomes a defiant declaration of shared resilience, a claim that they, too, can find the “funny side.” A striking element is the juxtaposition of the narrator’s solemn profession with their insistence on finding levity. The line “even a mortician sees the funny side” isn't just a statement of personal philosophy; it’s a direct challenge to the assumption that their job dictates a somber disposition. The lyrics also subtly touch on cultural differences, with the partner’s dislike for Americanisms highlighting a broader theme of identity and belonging, framed by the narrator as a unique, albeit challenging, perspective. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their grounded portrayal of relationship dynamics and personal coping mechanisms. The narrator’s struggle with their partner’s judgment, combined with their own determined outlook, creates a relatable portrait of navigating external criticism and internal doubt. The repeated assertion that they, like their partner, can find humor even in difficult circumstances, offers a powerful message about resilience and the multifaceted nature of human experience.